A PICTURE OF LIFE 



OB. 



THE RAINBOW CLUB. 



IN THREE PHASES. 



1st.— YOUTH'S GAT MERRIMENT. 
2nd.— MANHOOD'S SERIOUS BUSINESS. 
3rd.— LIFE'S CROWNING GLORY. 



/ 

By JAMES O. MILLER 

{The Orange County Farmer.) 




PUBLISHED BY THE RAIKBOW CLUB, 

MONTflOMEBT, ObANGE Co., N. T. 

1878. 



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CoPTF.TGHT, 1878, BT James O. Mhj^zb. 
All Rights Reserved. 



STEREOTYPED Printed and Bound by 

BT JE- WALKER'S SONi 

THE NEWBURGH STEREOTYPE CO. 14 Dey St., N. Y. 



DEDICATION. 



TO 

MY CHILDREN, AND THEIR MOTHER, 

THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED, 

BY THE author; 

AND ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF AN HONORED MERCHANT,* 

liVHOSE COUNSEL 

SAVED THE "W^RITER FROM PECUNIARY RUIN. 



* Once the author heard the voice of speculation, speaking so plausibly, 
that his little all was ready to be invested. Then Friendship whispered, 
*' Take counsel of the wise." It was done, and A. T. Stewakt gave reply : 
'' The cast of the market is such that whoever makes this venture will be 
ruined in a year." The words were feajfully prophetic. A friend, who lived 
upon a farm, in all the rural plenty of a Saxon king, (despite the warning) 
took the risk, and now lies buried— broken-hearted. 



The profits of this work may aid in seeing Europe with somewhat of a 
poet's eye, to gather notes and garlands for an Epic Song. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 



CHAPTER I, 

INTRODUCTION. 



THEEE are multitudes of persons who allow the 
flames of appetite and passion to be needlessl}^ 
fanned, thus consuming in early manhood much of that 
vitality which should not only glow at noon, but like 
the Gulf Stream of the tropics, cheer the Arctic even- 
ing of age. To such we lift a hand of warning. Of 
Milton Eainbow, the leading character of our story, we 
can truly say, that in his 3^ounger days his mental 
food consisted of three dishes— merriment, excitement, 
poetry. He was a light-liearted, quick-witted, ever- 
welcome companion. 

There lay in him a vein of thought, bright as a 
diamond, and exquisitely fresh and pleasing ; but his 
thoughts, brilliant as they were, resembled the moon- 
beams dancing on the river. The deep waters below 
were yet silent and unknown. 



6 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

His folly and reformation make our story, which 
we trust will prove both diverting and instructive. 

The members of the Kainbow Club were such 
people as we meet in every day life, and smile as we 
meet. 

The most enjoyable performers at a show, are not 
always those who stiffen the necks of the spectators by 
dizzy manoeuvers in the region of high art. 

But this one thing we desire : from the lofty corri- 
dors of this Centennial — 1876 — to send down through 
all the ages to come, this beseeching cry, " Oh ye gid- 
dy-minded men and women, — youths and maidens,— 
what treasure do' ye hope to take to the Centennial 
of the Ages — Time's grand Review — The Judgment 
Day, where the Judge is the King Eternal, and the 
least prize secures an immortality of honor and bliss f 

Cheer up, ye fallen ones, stand carefully, ye that 
have not fallen, and form this resolve, " By God's help 
we will take ourselves." 

Should this cry be heard, and the memory of this 
first American Centennial be kept green; the Bain- 
bow Club giving this apology for being, will trust it 
' has not been in vain. 

Yery deeply indeed do we realize the dignity and 
the solemnity of life. But there are cares and troub- 
les as well as dignities and solemnities. 

In order that for a season ye may forget your 



iiq^TRODucTioiq-. 7 

troubles and be refreshed against the burden of your 
cares ; listen kindly while we strive to please you. 

Some form of entertainment is a necessity of our 
nature. Why is it that the aged man is willing to 
take his seat in the corner and his wife to take hers in 
the opposite corner ? It is simply because they have 
solved the problem of life. 

They have nearly made the voyage of Time. They 
began the trip in childhood — gathering the flowers 
that adorned the shore. In manhood and woman- 
hood, they breasted the storm. They went far out 
upon the deep — now tossed up to the very stars — 
and now plunged down, down to the depths. 

But they fainted not — and at length the winds 
died, and the waves, though long sobbing, like a troub- 
led child fell asleep on their mother's breast, 

And in tlie cottage on the shore. 
They tell life's story o'er and o'er. 



CHAPTER II. 

SEEIOUSLY, almost sullenly, came a lad into a 
Kentucky school-room, nearly fifty years a^o. 

He took his accustomed place, and opened out 
his book to study; but the tears dulled his vision. 

He was a goodly lad to look upon — straight as an 
arrow, and light-stepping as a fawn. 

He had red cheeks and a white forehead ; soft 
plentiful hair, and bright eyes, of so dark a grey as to 
seem nearly black. The boy's name was Jonathan 
Boone ; but for brevity's sake he was called " Johnnie 
Booney." 

Soon after, two other lads entering the school- 
room with boisterous manners and flushed faces, were 
halted by these words of the master, "Boys, what 
excuse for your delay ?" 

The elder, while a frown rested on his brow, 
replied, 

"Johnnie Booney." 

So sad a charge against so kind a boy must be 
investigated, and forthwith the lad and his accusers 
stand face to face. 

Master, — Henry, make known thy charges. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 9 

Henry. — He promised to get us something, which 
he kept — and cursed. 

Master. — What answer hast thou ? If any, make it, 
quickly. 

Boone. — Their kite lodged in a lofty tree. They 
promised me a silver star upon it, if I would get it 
safely, which done, they denied me, and by force I 
took it. It was mine. 

Master. — How saith thou it was thine % Did you 
make purchase and pay money, and peacefully work a 
change of title by mutual consent ? 

Boone. — I gave something in place of money. I 
gave my strength, my time, my courage. 

Master. — He said you cursed. 

Boone. — I cursed not. I said that Satan loves 
such boys as they ; and gets them beds in prisons and 
a home in hell. 

Master. — How know you this is true ? 

Boone. — Because my mother's Bible tells me so. 

Master. — Were you not afraid to climb the lofty 
tree? 

Boone. — !N"o, sir, for father tells me to fear 
nothing but sin. He says sin is like a frost; it 
withers every thing it touches. 

Master. — You might have fallen and been killed. 

Boone. — My mother tells me to do my duty, and 
God will bless my death, whenever it may come. 
1* 



10 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

While this scene was transpiring, there sat on a 
bench within the same school-room, a young girl 
named Katy Sinclair. 

Her features, without being extremely beautiful, 
were regular and pleasing. Her hair was brown, soft 
and abundant, falling in fairy ringlets about her neck. 
Her complexion, naturally fair, had been a trifle 
darkened by rustic exposure to the sun, but this did 
only seem to heighten the beauty on her face, which 
smiled like the lips of morning. Katy was a deeply 
concerned spectator of the scene we have just de- 
scribed. When the name of her neighbor Boone was 
coupled with these charges, she turned a trifle pale 
from sympathetic apprehension. But when the youth, 
gallantly denied the charges, and faced down the bul- 
lies that made them, her features waved the banner of 
joy and triumph. 

At the expiration of an hour, the members of the 
spelling class were marshalled in full array for recita- 
tion. The word was gratitude. 

It began near the middle of the class with Henry 
— who missed it. It then came next to Boone — who 
being rather demoralized intellectually by the late oc- 
currence — might have failed on the middle syllable, 
had he not at the kingly instant looked up to Katy, 
who quickly put her finger on her eye. 

Johniue Booney dropped the '' y " before 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 11 

he fully uttered it, and dispatched the word in 
triumph. 

But to the surprise of all, he declined taking Henry's 
place, to which he was consciously not entitled. 

But we may well believe that Katy's actions wrote 
" gratitude " in letters of fadeless light on Johnnie's 
heart. 

The family to which Jonathan Boone belonged 
was of high repute for the well-known traits of nat- 
ural nobility. 

While there was in the countenance and general 
demeanor of the father, something akin to haughti- 
ness, there was enough of gentle majesty in the 
mother to make amends. 

The family had long consisted of the parents and 
five children — three boys and two girls, who had 
nearly grown up to maturity — when Providence be- 
stowed upon the worthy couple an unexpected bless- 
ing in the person of a son, to whom they gave the 
name of Jonathan. 

As Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, 
because he was the son of his old age, so did old Mr. 
Boone- love Jonathan. 

And as Joseph's brethren hated him, so Jonathan's 
brothers could not speak peaceably to him. Jonathan 
became a root of bitterness in the family. In vain did 
the mother plead, and the father sternly command. 



12 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

The brothers looked with an evil eye upon the strip- 
ling, while the sisters, more gentle in tlieir natures, 
were gentler in their ways. The innocent child en- 
dured the rough treatment from his brothers with a 
patient dignity that merely fired the blood of their 
wrath, but which soon developed in himself a courage 
and justice that signalized the school-room scene we 
have just described. 

As young Jonathan grew up, he gradually became 
like all the male members of the family, skillful in the 
use of the rifle. 

So steady was his arm and so clear his eye, that at 
the age of twelve he could bring down a hawk from 
the clouds with his unerring bullet. Connected with 
that portion of the State there was a club of sports- 
men, who annually held a trial matcli of skill upon 
the village green. 

From year to year various prizes were offered — 
such as purses of money — splendidly embroidered 
badges and baldrics — books on field sports beautifully 
bound and profusely embellished with engravings, 
and other articles of less value, to those of the com- 
petitors who had shown much skill, without coming 
within the charmed circle, of positive genius. 

Public notice had been given, that at the target 
match now approaching, prizes of unusual value would 
be ofiiered. 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 13 

The first was to be a polished rifle adorned with 
trimmings of silver. In addition, the gun was to 
have a golden plate on which would be inscribed ths 
name of the winner. 

The three grown-up sons of Mr. Boone had fre- 
qnentl}^ taken part in these trials, and usually bore off 
some token of success ; but they had never secured 
ene of the highest order. The offer of this valuable 
fire-arm and the honor connected with its possession, 
had decided in the minds of the young m.en, that one 
or all would attempt its capture. 

Old father Boone said to his wife, " Those three 
grown up boys of ours are capital marksmen ; but 1 
say to you, that our little boy Johnnie surpasses them 
all, and if we can prevail on him to take part in the 
match to-morrow, fear not, for he will give a good 
account of himself and his rifle. That evening the 
mother poured into the ears of the boy skillful words 
of encouragement. Ere long, as in the days of 
Homer — 

" Aurora now — fair daughter of the dawn, 
Sprinkled with rosy light the dewy lawn ; 
And, reddening swift, the morning ray, 
Glowed in the front of heaven, and gave the day," 

At an early hour the approaches to the village 
green were occupied by persons intent on witnessing 
the romantic spectacle. 



14 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Neither the infirmities of age — the dignities of 
high position — the refinements of learning — the graces 
of female delicac}^, nor the tenderness of youth, could 
prevent a rush to the exciting exhibition. 

y chicles crowded with country people shook the 
ground as they were whirled along. Saddle horses 
were in requisition — multitudes came on foot. In all 
ways Kentucky's spirited children came out to witness 
Kentucky's favorite sport. 

The ground selected was exceedingly appropriate. 
Kich in the cherished memories of former pas- 
time, it was also felicitous in form and location. Sta- 
tioned aside from the dwellings, and free from the con- 
fusion of the town, it held within its embrace many 
noble trees, which were not so dense or frequent as 
to mar the light, but yet they gave a grateful shade 
and softened color to the scene. 

The northern extremity of the enclosure was heav- 
ily fringed by a dense forest, well calculated to inter- 
cept any vagrant bullets, and here the target was 
erected. On the eastern and western sides of the field 
were many temporary booths and pavilions at which 
all manner of refreshments were sold to the populace, 
who were prompt and liberal purchasers. Nor can it 
be denied, that games of chance and scenes of rougher 
muscular violence were ofiered to many, who after- 
ward carried dishonored scars in evidence thereof. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 15 

Upon a large bulletin were painted the few brief rules 
by which the contest was to be governed — as follows : 

1st. — There will be three prizes officially given, 
namely : — A silver mounted riHe, a silver pitcher, and 
a silver goblet. 

2d. — Competitors may contend for but one prize, 
and must enter that class. 

3d. — ISlo person whose reputation is not established 
as a marksman, shall be allowed to compete, without 
at once giving evidence of his skill, to the satisfaction 
of the judges. 

4th. — Each rival shall have three chances, one in 
each round. 

5th. — The silver goblet shall firstly be contended 
for, secondly the pitcher, and lastly the silver mounted 
rifle. 

6th. — All minor rules and decisions on all ques- 
tions in dispute, shall be given by the judges, viz., 
the president, vice president, and secretary of The 
Kentucky Sjyorting Club. 

The scene rapidly took on an appearance of much 
activity. Entries were taken, challenges of unfitness 
off'ered, tests given and accepted, or condemned with 
commendable promptness. Ten entries were made 
for the goblet, which, after a gallant contest, was 
won by a marksman from Yirginia. 



16 A PICTURE OF LIFE.- 

Five for the silver pitcher, whicli was won bj a 
bearded hunter clad in leathern vest, moccasin shoes, 
and fanciful leggins. lie also wore short trowsers 
and green blouse, while his fur cap was adorned with 
feathers in mock Indian style. 

Only three entries were made for the grand prize 
of the silver rifle. Around this last contest centered 
the greatest interest. 

The loud call of a trumpet made known the 
approach of the trial, and also informed the excited 
multitude that the result of each firing would be 
announced on the bulletin board adjoining that of the 
laws. The names of the competitors for the rifle 
were James Coleman, Jacob Boone, and Charles 
Bruce. 

All these being marksmen of established repute, 
were accepted without cavil. Then at the last 
moment there was a fourth entry offered to which 
objection w^as made. 

The person seeking admittance to the lists was a 
lad of fifteen years. He stood up manly and un- 
daunted as he gave his name and age, in answer to 
the judges. 

At once three men who bore resemblance to each 
other, and to the lad, objected to his admission on the 
point of his want of established repute, and pointed to 
the rule. 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 17 

The eldest of the judges mildly said, " My good 
lad, you must give us proof of your skill." 

The youth replied, " Sir, I see a bird in youder 
tree ; where shall I hit him ? " 

The judge made answer, "Anywhere will do, 
through his head or his tail, but you must kill him." 

The youth raised up his light double-barreled rifle, 
and fired. The bird flew away unharmed, and a shout 
of derision went up from the crowd. Quick as a flash 
the lad discharged the other barrel, and the bird fell 
dead. 

When picked up and examined, it was discovered 
that the order had been literally obeyed, for the last 
ball had gone from eye to eye, while the first had cut 
out the centre of the tail as neatly as if done by a pair 
of shears. 

The loud cheers of the Kentucky yeomanry re- 
echoed through forest up to lieaven ; and the lad's 
name was put down on the list, and his name was 
Jonathan Boone. 

But at once, one of those already entered stepped 
up to the judges and said, " Sirs, I came to contend 
with men, and not with children ; I withdraw ; " and 
the name of Jacob Boone was struck ofi', leaving 
three to contend. 

At once the contest began. 

The target was circular, consisting of two red 



18 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

rings separated by one of white — wliile a black bull's- 
eye shone in the centre. Beyond the outer ring was a 
white space of a few inches in width, and the judges 
announced in advance that all marks made therein 
would be called scattering, and not be counted. 

The target proper was one foot in diameter, and 
was placed at five hundred yards. First Coleman 
pierced the inner ring. Then Bruce struck the outer 
one, and young Boone went scattering. 

On the second round Coleman hit the outer ring 
and Bruce went scattering, while Boone struck the 
inner ring. 

On the last round hung the decision. Coleman 
struck the space between the rings, and Bruce struck 
the space between the inner red ring and the bulFs- 
eye. Young Boone taking quick but steady aim fired, 
and the bullet went through the very centre of the 
bull's-eye. Amid the loudest cheering the gallant 
youth was declared winner of the prize, and the silver 
mounted, double-barreled rifle was put into his hands. 



CHAPTER III. 

TZ"E]SrTUCKY smiled. Her grand old forests 
-■-■^ bowed their reverent heads to the early breeze 
— her birds sang their daintiest notes, while her 
streams went dancing past the meadow lilies to the 
Gulf. 

Beneath the sun's warm smile, her cattle richly 
fattened and her stately steeds rejoiced in all the 
pageantry of strength. Her sons and daughters boldly 
went forth to the battle of life. Aye — Kentucky 
smiled — and yet not all. 

Old Mr. Boone and wife smiled not, but sadly lis- 
tened to these words of Jonathan their son, *^ Father, 
you need me not. You have other sons who can till 
your fields, and daughters who can keep your house. 
I know I am the child of your heart ; I am precious in 
your sight, and you are precious in mine — but some- 
thing calls me away. This place is too narrow for 
me and my brothers. Please let me take my trusty 
rifle and your kind blessing, and go out into the wide 
w^orld to seek my fortune. I will take my Bible with 
me; I will worship morning and evening, and keeping 
a tight hold on the hand of Jesus, I will not be afraid.' 



20 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Then the old man trembled and replied. " My son, 
not nij will, but God's will and thine be done. If 
you wish to go, my old arms cannot hold you. If you 
stay, you shall have a double portion among your 
brothers. If you go, your double portion shall wel- 
come your return. Speak to your aged mother — see 
how she weeps." 

The youth put his arms around his mother's neck, 
and vainly strove to kiss her tears awa}^ He then 
softly wliispered in her ear, " Dear mother, let me go, 
for it is best." 

B.ut the poor woman sobbing her heart away, could 
only answer with her tears. At length, with the 
true heroism of a mother, she plunged the dart of sor- 
row through her breast while she answered with a 
smile and kiss, " God bless you, darling, and farewell." 

His sisters came forward and embraced him with 
a sister's tenderness. Even his brothers' voices thick- 
ened with apparent grief, for their hearts somewhat 
relented when assured of his departure. 

Grateful!}^ accepting a purse of money, he shoul- 
dered his precious rifle that his skill had won. Then 
bidding the friends farewell he departed. The fath- 
er's silver locks shook with emotion as he cried, " My 
son, thou hast a brave heart, a keen eye and a steady 
arm. Let me hear nothing but good things of a 
Boone. Add thou virtue to valor, and then will God 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 21 

crown you with glory in the race of life. Blessed are 
those to whom duty is even dearer than love or life." 

Quickly on his journey, the youth reaches the 
summit of a hill from whence can be viewed the 
valley of his birth. 

He sees the tiny sparkling stream along whose 
meadow banks he had often sported — he sees the dis- 
tant village and the white school-house near the great 
oak tree —the village church and its hamlet of graves, 
where sleep his kindred. He sees the vast forest 
where he had often roamed. He sees in the dim dis- 
tance two bended forms watching over the way he 
had just come. He views the homes of his neighbors 
and dwells longest and last on a certain substantial 
one, having a porch which the green lattice encloses, 
and where lives that red-cheeked maiden named Katy. 
And then led by some strong power, the youth stifles 
emotion and wanders on. 

As he turns over the summit, the glowing prospect 
vanishes, and the vast mountain slide falls down on 
the scene. Lost to him are the forest and valley and 
Xaty's smile — lost for many a year. Lost to him are 
parents' welcome — lost forever more on earth. Ah, 
poor boy, if you had known all your future, would you 
have gone on ? Would you have dared to face stormy 
seas, and raging pirates, and had the courage to lift 
the burden of long enduring grief ? Perhaps not. 



22 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

If SO, 'tis well God holds a mantle between the 
present and the future. The youth trudged on. 

As the angels were lighting the starry lamps, Jona- 
than reached a road-side inn. Just as he was intend- 
ing to knock at the door, he heard loud voices within, 
and listening sharply, discovered that the landlord's 
wife was scolding him for not having provided a sup- 
ply of fuel for the morning baking. 

Not wishing to intrude upon the atlantic scene, 
the young rover delayed until quiet was partially re- 
stored, and then modestly rapped upon the door. 

" Come in," came from the voice of the landlord, 
but from half a dozen dogs in the corner came the 
command " keep out." He raised the latch and en- 
tered the apartment. 

The landlord sat in his chair of ignoble indolence, 
smoking his drowsy pipe, while a group of rustic 
statesmen discussed the probabilities of the next elec- 
tion, and justly praised the charming eloquence and 
noble patriotism of Kentucky's honored son — the gal- 
lant Henry Clay. 

The landlord's wife, attracted by the knock- 
ing, stood in the door-way leading to another 
apartment. 

Jonathan Boone in pleasant tones said, "Please 
sir, can I have a slice of bread for my supper, and a 
bed for the night ? " 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 23 

The landlord glancing toward his wife said, 
" What say you ? " 

The landlady, softened by the agreeable manners 
of the stripling, answered, " Yes, he is welcome to 
his supper and bed, but as to his breakfast — why there 
is no wood chopped to cook it.*' 

Jonathan resumed, " The moon is shining brightly, 
giro me an axe and I will prepare some fuel." 

" ISTo, no," said the landlord, '^ Not to-night." 

Ere the morning breeze had blown out the lamps 
that the angels had lighted, Jonathan arose and kneel- 
ing down prayed to the Great Supreme, that the same 
kind power that had been about his bed, might be 
about his path. Quickly his axe was cleaving the 
fuel ; while his cheerful song eased the toil of its yoke. 

Both landlord and mistress were delighted with 
the burdens of oak and maple that he piled upon the 
hearth. To their words of approval, Jonathan re- 
sponded, " This is a busy world, but if all do their 
share, it can all be done in season." 

At earnest request he delayed to share the hot 
feast that his own labor had partially procured, then 
after mutual compliments he journeyed on. 



CHAPTER IV. 

"TTT"E cannot here relate in detail the incidents of 
^ ^ the way, nor tell of the lofty thoughts that 
entered his mind. 

Suffice it to say, that at last the journey was ended, 
and the next few years were spent by the youth in a 
northern State — sometimes upon a farm during the 
summer, and at school during the winter. He often 
sent cheering letters to the friends at home. At 
length, having grown to man's estate, and with earn- 
ings well saved, Jonathan Boone, led on by that spirit 
of adventure which often marks the members of cer- 
tain families, took ship for England. In an ocean 
voyage, though tranquil and rapid, the elements of 
danger and sublimity are always to be found. There 
is a feeling of loneliness even on the crowded deck, 
and a sensation of terrible awe as one looks upon 
the wide, deep and untamable sea. Moreover, the 
stoutest heart must shrink from the reflection that at 
all times, but a wooden wall of a few inches in thick- 
ness stands as a screen between him and a watery 
grave. Yet stands it firm as adamant at the bidding 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 35 

of God. Welcome indeed, were the chalky cliffs of 
Albion to Boone's languid, sea-sick eyes. 

As he put his foot on English soil, an instant thrill 
ran through his mind. • His long evening studies in his 
native land had left him no stranger to English history. 

He knew that the island of Britain, nestling so 
cozily on the breast of the Atlantic, was the centre of 
the most noble Empire that ever controlled human 
destiny. He had read of the original Celtic tribes — 
of their rude condition and barbarous manners. He 
had read of their original Druid worship in groves of 
oak watered by the saci'ed streams. He knew that 
the ancient Britons were divided into many tribes who 
fought with spears and broadswords, and went into 
battle with armed chariots, to whose axles were fast- 
ened scythes and hooks. 

He knew that while it is impossible to penetrate 
the obscurity that covers the original tribes of Britain, 
yet it is believed, that the Celtic tribes came from 
Gaul: — the ancient name of France. 

He remembered that the reliable history of the 
island begins with the first invasion under Julius 
Csesar — about fifty years before the birth of Christ, 
and which has been recorded on the pages of Caesar 
and Tacitus. 

He had heard of the gallant chiefs who drove 
Csesar and his Koman Legions over the Channel. 
2 



36 A PICTURE OP LIFE. 

He had read of Caractacus, king of the Briton&, 
who, on being taken captive to Eome, rebuked the 
ambition of his conquerors by saying, " Why should 
you, who possess such magnificence at home, envy me 
an humble cottage in Britain ?" 

He had read of Boadicea, queen of ]N'orfolk and 
Suffolk, who in the year 61, lost eighty thousand of her 
subjects in one battle, and then committed suicide 
rather than be captured. 

The Britons were brave, but unskilled, and the 
Homans took possession of the southern portion of the 
island, and spread abroad the arts of peace, law and 
government. 

To protect the people against the Caledonians — 
that is the Picts and Scots who occupied Scotland, the 
Boman general Agricola built a line of forts ; and 
Adrian in the year 121, built a wall of earth across the 
island from Solway to the Tyne. 

But at length barbarians from the north came 
down upon the Imperial City and the Boman legions 
were needed at home. 

In 420, nearly five hundred years after the landing 
of Caesar, the Bomans took final departure, leaving the 
Britons more polished, but less warlike than they 
found them. 

Prince Yortigern being annoyed by the Northern 
tribes, called upon the Scandinavian seamen, who' 



A PICTURE OE LIFE. 27 

had long gone out from the shores of the Baltic and 
North seas, for help. They came and bore the name 
of Saxons, and not only drove back the Scots, but cap- 
tured Britain for themselves, and held it for centuries. 

In two hundred years from the landing of Hen- 
gist and Horsa, (the first Saxons,) the Saxon power 
had founded in Britain seven states called the Saxon 
Heptarchy, to wit : Kent, Sussex, or the Kingdom of 
South Saxons, Wessex, the West Saxons, Essex, the 
East Saxons, East Anglia held by the Anglia, JSforth- 
umbria and Mercia, In 597 Pope Gregory sent St. 
Augustine and forty monks to Britain. In 825 after 
nearly four centuries of war between these Saxon 
kings, Egbert the king of Wessex, subdued by arms 
and policy the Heptarchy. All the separate king- 
doms were united in one great kingdom called Eng- 
land, after the Angles who were a branch of the Scan- 
dinavian family similar to the Saxons. 

But almost as soon as England was united under 
one sovereign, there came an invasion by the Danes. 
In 871 Alfred repulsed the Danes. In 994 the timid 
king Ethelred married Emma, " The Flower of Nor- 
mandy," and in 1002 allowed a general murder of the 
Danes. Among the victims was Gunhilda sister of 
Sweyn, King of Denmark, who landed in England 
with a fearful host, driving Ethelred to take refuga 
with his Norman brother-in-law. -a 

I 



28 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

All things brought on the Norman rule in Eng- 
land, which was confirmed by the battle of Hastings 
in 1066, and which put "William the Conqueror on 
the throne. These ISTormans, or Northmen, had for- 
merly come down on France as the Saxons had on 
England, and established the Duchy of Normandy. 
William divided England among his northern fol- 
lowers, but died despised. 

The lands thus given were subdivided by the 
Norman Barons among their followers, and were 
called fiefs, and those who gave them feudal lords. 
William made valuation in " The Doomsday Book," 
which is still preserved, while in 1215, on the fif- 
teenth of July in Runnymead, or Meadow of Council, 
the barons and free burgers of England gained from 
king John The Magna Charta. 

These valuable facts of history were brought back 
to the memory of Jonathan Boone as he lay sleepless 
on his bed in a London tavern. 

In the morning he made the acquaintance of a 
merry sailor, who invited him to go to the city of 
Liverpool and see him oflf on a voyage. 

Having reached the place, he was attracted by the 
manners of the captain and crew, and took passage 
with them on the good ship Propontis, bound for the 
Spanish coast, and commanded by Captain William 
Blake. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 29 

As the vessel was quietly making her way over 
the waves, suddenly the sound of a cannon came 
booming over the water. Ilarh! IlTow again comes 
the sound, " nearer, clearer, deadlier than before." 

Speedily there shoots to the side of the ship, the 
dark figure of a schooner. The captain and mate 
with one voice, cry out, " My God, it is a pirate ! " 

Slowly fly the moments, so full of agony. 

Nimbly as a squirrel, a leader of the pirate band 
climbs up the sides of the Propontis, and as he puts 
his foot upon the deck, demands the surrender of the 
ship. Hardly had he spoken the words ere the cap- 
tain, (like a true Englishman,) caught up a marliue 
spike, and with a sudden blow, made answer by 
knocking the pirate over into the water. His com- 
panion immediately following, shared the same fate. 
But look! Up the sides of the Propontis came 
twenty men, heavily bearded, heavily armed, and 
with fury in their eyes. 

Hark, there comes the sharp crack of a rifle, and 
a pirate falls dead. Quickly the sound is repeated, 
and another villain feels death crushing his skull. 
The passengers run to the cabin for safety. 

The crew fight bravely. The tallest leading pi- 
rate now singles out the English captain and springs 
upon him like a tiger, with a horrid yell. But just 
then comes the same sharp sound of that rifle, and the 



30 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

pirate falls dead at the captain's feet, not only with a 
devil, but a bullet in his heart. 

One of the band seeing their best men so myste- 
riously fall, raises to his mouth a whistle on which he 
blows for retreat. 

" Not yet," shrieks another pirate, " let us give 
them vengeance before we go." Hardly had he 
spoken, when the sound of the rifle was again heard, 
and the fierce speaker fell. 

The whistle for retreat was again sounded, and as 
quickly as the pirates came, so quickly the survivors 
departed. 

At once the captain called the passengers and 
crew on deck and publicly gave thanks to God. 

On rising from devotion. Captain Blake added, 
" The power was divine, but the agency was human. 
To some one of you with brave heart and steady nerve 
I owe my life, and many of you owe yours. I call 
for my deliverer." 

At the call of the crew, down from the rigging 
came Jonathan Boone and his rifle. Amid the plau- 
dits of the people, the captain fervently thanked the 
brave youth, and inquired from what part of Britain 
he came, and what should be his reward. 

The young man responded, " I am an American, 
my home is in Kentucky. Like all true Americans I ask 
no reward for duty done, save the sweet memory of it." 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 31 

The captain taking the young hero by the hand 
again addressed him, " Young man, my ship, my life, 
my all I owe to you, and I am able to reward you, and 
I will." 

In a moment more he added, with tears in his 
eyes, " What's more, I have an only child, a daughter, 
who must also thank you. Henceforth I adopt you 
as a son. You must eat at my table and sleep in my 
cabin. "When this ship returns to England, I beg you 
to return with it. I pledge you not only a warm 
greeting from all Britain, but especially in my house 
and from my daughter Helen, in Windsor, England." 
With much becoming modesty Jonathan Boone ac- 
cepted the kind proposal, and won the love and appro- 
bation of all on board by his gentle manliness. 

At length the commercial design of the voyage 
was accomplished and the ship returned to its wharf. 
Jonathan Boone, in excellent health and delighted 
with the perilous but romantic experiences, stood by 
the captain's side as merrie England blessed their 
sight. 

At once the captain wrote this letter and posted it. 

My 'precious DaugJiter Helen. — Thank God we struck the 
docks to-day, perhaps never to leave them again. We are at 
Liverpool, Jonathan, whose heroic skill delivered us from the 
savage crew, will share with me the hospitality of our home in 
Windsor, one week from to-day. The young American is as 
modest as he is brave. 



32 A PICTURE or LIFE. 

I leave all arrangements to yourself, for you have not only 
the looks and spirit, but the discretion of your departed 

mother. 

I remain as ever, your loving father, 

Blake. 

Before the week was out, a little incident took 
place at "Windsor. 

On a certain day, what seemed a crippled beggar 
made his appearance at the mansion of Captain Blake 
and called for charity. The beggar was clad in coarse 
but tidy garments. His heavy beard and moustache 
gave him a fierce look, which was softened by his 
bright but serious eyes. The servants with much un- 
kindness ordered the beggar to depart, saying among 
themselves, " we have enough on our hands already, in 
providing for our master and his young friend, with- 
out being annoyed with beggars." As the poor pil- 
grim still delayed at the gate, a couple of savage dogs 
were set upon him. The well-trained mastiffs came 
forward in fierce array, and would have b^dly torn 
the seeming cripple, had he not suddenly felt the im- 
pulse of youth, and given the first coming dog a sharp 
blow over the* head with a cudgel, and bestowed on 
the second^ a tremendous kick which sent them off 
sadly howling, and convinced that some people are not 
as lame as they limp. 

The outcry of the servants and the howling 
of the dogs, drew to the door a light-footed maid- 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 33 

en, who was none else than Helen, the captain's 
daughter. 

She was at once accosted by the beggar as follows : 
" Indade miss, an something tells me ye are a different 
lot from them who set the dogs on me— bad luck to 
em, it makes me rheumatism sting like the dagger of a 

pirate." 

Now as Helen had just received her father's letter, 
she eagerly inquired, " Pray, tell me, what do you 
know about pirates?" The beggar merely said^ 
« Heaven bless you, I came near knowing entirely 
too much, but a slice of bread from your fair hand 
will atone for it all completely." 

So Helen told her name, and directed that a goodly^ 
meal be set before the beggar (to the disgust of the 
servants). His appetite was soon appeased, and ex- 
pressing thanks and slyly glancing at Helen's blue 
eyes, the cripple departed. 

At the time appointed, Captain Blake, accompanied 
by Jonathan Boone, came abreast the entrance gates 
of his mansion. His daughter ran out to meet him, 
she embraced him with the utmost tenderness, she 
hung on his neck and kissed him. Nor had her quick 
eye failed to fall on the straight and manly youth, 
who rather stood aside than urged his presence on this 
tender scene of enraptured affection. The father gen- 
tly took his blushing daughter by the hand, and turn- 



34 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

ing toward the youth, whose face as quickly glowed, 
said, " My daughter, this is the brave one who saved 
me from the worst of deaths. I have adopted him as 
my son. Kiss each other, my children." 

Many golden days of feasting followed. The ser- 
vants strove in obsequious rivalry. 

At length Helen (with a twinkle in her eye) said, 
" Brother Jonathan — all welcome you, except the 
dogsP 



CHAPTER V. 

A YEAR rolls round in all the world, and now 
the morn puts out his loving lips, for light's 
soft kiss. The purple smile of day gilds the 
glad east with more than Asian pomp and pours 
a tide of brightness o'er the fields of Windsor. 
Erelong there sounded through the place the 
loud notes of preparation. Servants hastened here 
and there. 

Garlands of evergreen mantled the cornices; 
flowers filled beautiful vases ; and artificial perfumes 
freighted the air. 

Soon carriages appear with steeds in silvery equip- 
ment, and drivers in livery. Tenants with less dis- 
play, are equally received. 

On the porch of his old English mansion, a stately 
man, attired in the full dress of a sea captain, wel- 
comes in genuine kindness the many guests. And 
now the bishop comes. 

Before him stand a young man and a maiden, he 
tall and active, with no adornment save a mosaic 
red, white, and blue in a setting of gold, she fair and 



36 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

graceful. They join hands and pledge mutual love 
and faith until death may them part. 

The captain takes the hand of the groom, and 
while the hot tears blind his eyes, and deep emotions 
thicken his utterance, says, "My brave deliverer, 
thank God thou art at last my son." 

Then turning to the bride, he says, " Helen, thou 
hast been a good daughter, which is the best security 
that thou wilt prove a good wife. Forget not thy 
mother's dying counsel, which was, ' Remember that 
the best preparation for death, is the well doing of 
those duties which lie farthest from death, the duties 
of the present.' " 

" He who defended me upon the ocean, will under 
God protect and guide you, while you live. My chil- 
dren, you have my best wishes for your highest good 
in the life that is, and is to come. God bless you 
both, and all who may ever love you, and all whom 
you may ever love. "What I have is yours. How 
cheering to me at this moment are the words of the 
king, * I have been young and now I am old, yet 
have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed 
begging bread.' " 



CHAPTER VI. 

SIX more years have fled. The steeds of the sim 
have drawn their glittering burden up the hippo- 
drome of the skies, and halt apparently a moment for 
refreshment, for 'tis noon in England. The breeze is 
dying, the leaves are asleep. 

A servant maid leads a lovely child out in the park 
of "Windsor to have its cheeks tinted by the pencil of 
the sun. 

The wide-sweeping meadows and forests veined 
by streams along which knelt deer and heifer, the 
fairy lake over which the light boats like shadows 
flitted ; earth's noblest artery the Thames, the great 
Windsor Castle, glory of many ages and present home 
of purest royalty, from whence, in the long ago, 
went chief to war and bride to the banquet of life — all 
these form a picture which, once seen, will ever hang 
fadeless on the walls of memory. 

While the nurse chats with two serious strangers, 
how softly steps the dainty little lady before her little 
carriage. 

Truly is a maiden the best embodiment of the 



38 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

beautiful and good. To her the stars lend their chil- 
dren for eyes, the lilies serve as ears, the roses for 
cheeks, while night gives some of its quietude and day 
its cheerfulness, and even the willow from the brook- 
let's side comes with its graceful gift of form. The 
serious strangers withdraw and hold converse in earn- 
est, but sly undertones, that artful gypsies use. The 
woman bewails her condition as a childless wife, the 
man quenches sorrow with suggestion. " Wife, why 
murmur at the word of Fate, and gall our spirits with 
this childless yoke? See we not this very moment 
the child we wish at play ? It is not fair all comfort 
should pour into one pool. They have wealth and 
many friends, and though we rob them of this child, 
may yet be rich. And it was done. "While still the 
nurse chats with the stranger, words artfully lead to 
blows, and while the guard seek to make peace, a 
third person with strong arms and nimble feet 
bears off the jewel. Swift rolled away the carriage. 

Witness ye days and nights, how deep the sorrow. 
The sire bewildered, fills the kingdom with his cries, 
and offers of reward. Detectives are put at work, 
posters emblazon public places. The mother, at first 
cast down, arises frantic, while the good old grandsire 
hides his mournful face. Slowly walk the sorrow-bur- 
dened years. The father wears a smile he feels not. 
The mother shrinks to a shadow. 



A PICTUKE or LIFE. 39 

Softly ! she is lying with her lipg apart, 
Softly 1 she ia dying of a broken heart." 



The captain slowly said as he turned away from 
the grave, " My sweet grand-daughter was stolen, my 
wife and daughter I have buried, but I trust Him still. 
* I have been young and now am I old, yet have I not 
seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed besce-ing 
bread.' " 



CHAPTEH YII. 

"T^N" the deep wilderness of amazing London, the 
-^ child then five years old was hidden. The street 
criers called her name beneath the windows, bat she 
heard it not. 

Soon over the sea to America came the robbers 
and their booty. They have now a daughter, they 
would have a son to round out all their heart. For- 
tune led them to a place where a good family having 
fallen in estate and scattered to the four winds, had 
left a manly boy to eat the crust of charity upon the 
public streets. The same band of gypsies found and 
took him. 

As the years trudged on, the boy and girl were 
company for each other. Eut though they led a rov- 
ing gyps}^ life, all the emotions of their nature rose in 
rebellion against the lives they were leading. 

Tlie children had been early taught the simple 
stories of the Bible, and remembered as in a dream the 
moral lessons to be derived from them. These early 
advantages proved their salvation. 

The boy was somewhat the elder of the two, and 
having learned the art of reading from the public 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 41 

schools and private instruction, was enabled to improve 
himself and entertain his companion on their dreary 
way. The rough manners of the people with whom 
they lived, could not efface the thoughts of God and 
heaven and the Sabbath day— of right and wrong that 
came np like buckets of refreshing water from the 
wells of memory. 

The boy carried with him a New Testament that 
had been given to him by a Christian minister, and it 
was wisely kept secluded, except on some seasons of 
golden opportunity. 

The girl was tenderly cared for by her gypsy cap- 
tors and in fact began to love them with a child's 
affection, although as may be well believed she was 
sad and lonely for many months after her abstraction. 
The child inherited the fearless and patient character 
of her fatlier Jonathan Boone, and would doubtless 
have escaped from the band, but she was constantly 
watched, and was thousands of miles from home. 
Above all, she was too young to struggle long with 
the combined powers that gradually dimmed her early 
memories. 

In progress of time, nature kindly asserted its in- 
herent powers and gave the lie to statement they 
were kin. Brother and sister they had been in name, 
but henceforth they were more — they were lover and 
sweetheart. 



43 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

Guided by true wisdom and shielded by innocence, 
the loving couple sought the village justice and were 
married in due form. "When after a year had gone, a 
little son smiled in their arms, they could not endure 
the thought of having him grow up a gypsy like 
themselves. Strange to say while the father slept, the 
answer came in a vision. " Take thou the child, go 
to the greatest earthly city by the sea, find Home for 
the Friendless, there let him be." The old gypsies, 
fearful of punishment if their crimes should be discov- 
ered, at length consented, and it was done. 

Having put the child in this charitable institution 
of the city of New York, the parents rejoined their 
roving band. At the close of another year, another 
babe, a girl greeted the light, and then the parents 
determined at all hazard to leave the camp and return 
to civilized life. Ere they do so, let us view another 
Picture of Life. 



CHAPTER, yill. 

A Gypsy Encampment at Gypsy Dell. 

THE time is noon. In a little grassy common, in 
the shape of a triangle, there bubbles up in one 
corner, a spring of softest water. 

A wall of tall willows shields it from the sun. 
"While near the union of three roads, and surrounded 
by the dwellings of wealthy farmers, the spot is cosy 
and grateful. 

It is the temporary home of an English clan of 
gypsies, who seem to have the greatest reverence for 
their leader, and all obey him without the least hesi- 
tation. Around the camp are seen horses and dogs 
of all breeds, colors, and values. The women have 
the aquiline nose, small mouth, and blue-black hair, 
peculiar to the stock, are excellent mothers, and give 
constant care to the children, who appear in amazing 
profusion. Looking up the hill we see a wagon 
coming. As it nears the camp, we see that it contains 
farmer Grey and his wife. 

They are now within the camp, and a young 
gypsy woman of different features from the party, 
and who holds a little child in her arms, is standing 



44 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

near them. The woman is now talking most oar- 
nestlj. 

Her very soul is in her eyes, for from the instant 
they fell on Farmer Grey, she seemed moved by some 
mighty emotion. In this brief period she has 
learned where he lives, what his family consists of, 
and given a sharp guess at his fortune. 

Gypsy Woman. — Good people, we have power to 
read the future. Halt but a moment, lady, I will 
tell your fortune. 

Farmers Wife. — ]^ay, not mine, but his, he has 
no nerves to tremble. 

Farmer, — 'Tis a mere trick. How can you know 
the future ? 

Gypsy Woman. — All things are written on the 
sky. I say my words of sorcery ; and hold my hand 
up to the written sky as now you see me do. The 
image of thy fate is on my hand in letters crossed. I 
put my hand on yours and to my practiced eye the 
words are plain. Good father, I will read them. 
Thou hadst a pleasant past, I read a sober future. 
An angel in a woman's dress, will leave a diamond at 
thy house. 

Farmer'' s Wife. — "What if we lose it ? 

Gypsy Woman. — You cannot lose it till the time. 
Let your children play with it. It will but brightly 
grow and make you rich. 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 45 

Farmer's "Wife. — When will this diamond come? 

Gypsy Woman. — At the front hour of this now 
coming night, when the round moon smiles at the 
winking stars, this diamond flashes on thy hearth. 

Farmer and wife, filled with strange thoughts, 
drive home. 

Scene, The Gypsy Camp at Night. 

A circle of covered wagons is seen, with fagots 
burning in the centre. A woman is seen coming from 
the camp with a little child in her arms. She kisses 
it fondly, wraps it in a blanket, then takes it in her 
arms. As she rises the hill, she gives the sleeping 
child a kiss, and staggers on. 

Soon she stops again and exclaims, " Oh, answer 
me, my soul, shall I go forward, or go back. If I go 
back to yonder camp, my darling child will live a 
cursed gypsy like myself. If I go on and leave my 
child at Farmer Grey's, I make myself a beggar, but 
I give the girl a chance. By yonder stars, I swear 
I'll go. 

Scene, A Farmhouse at Midnight. 

A mild light shines in the windows. A woman 
is seen approaching. The watch-dog barks, but is 
chained. The woman reaches the door and knocks. 



46 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

Farmer Grey comes out with a lantern and is 
followed by his wife. 

Gypsy Woman, — Good father and mother, for the 
kind angels' sake, keep and cherish this pure born 
darling. This is the promised diamond. For nearly 
a year it grew on my heart, for more than a year it 
has shone in my arms, but my soul and that of my 
husband revolt at the gypsy life. We will quickly 
leave it, and shall toil to repay you. But if we fail, 
be certain God will not. 

Ligbts flash in the farmer's dwelling, children and 
servants appear in haste and plead, " Oh, father, keep 
the little brown beauty." 

Quickly as came the woman, so quickly in the 
moonlight she departed. 

The scene changes back to Gypsy Dell. The 
woman has returned wild with excitement. In her 
frenzy, she cries, " Oh, what a wretch I am ! Did I 
do right or wrong? I wish I had the eyes of a 
million eagles to see if the angels smile. If I knew, 
it would cheer my misery. But if I thought they 
frowned, I'd call my vow back from the midnight 
wind that snatched it from me, and ever bear my sweet 
girl on my breast, if hell on earth and hell of hells with 
all its flames and fiends, made camp within my soul ! " 

Ivan^ the Woman^s Husband, — Peace, peace, good 
wife. 



A PICTURE OF LIPE. 47 

" Come, sleep, dear Mary, 
Out of the darkness comes the day." 

Scene. A Highway below Farmer Geey's. 

Eight years have fled since the last scene. A 
little girl, now ten years old, with a red ribbon 
around her waist, is picking wild flowers on the road- 
side, and making a head-wreath for a smaller child. 
A clergyman and wife are seen coming toward them 
in a light carriage. Drawing nigh, this conversation 
ensues : 

Minister, — What are you doing, my merry little 
maiden ? 

Child. — Enjoying myself. 

Minister. — But is not the weather too warm for 
you? 

Child. — ]N"ot a hit of it. I like warm weather in 
the summer, and if you call me little, you ought to 
see the baby over to Mrs. Jones. 

Minister. — Well, my big little girl, what's your 
name? 

Child. — Why my name's Jennie. I thought 
every body knowed that. 

Minister. — What else ? 

Child. — Why nothing else, but just gypsy Jennie 
Grey ; ain't that enough ? 

Minister. — Where do you live ? 



48 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

Child. — Up to that house there. 

Minister. — Is that your father's house ? 

Child. — No, no, don't you know fiither and 
mother's been gone away years ago. Sally Baker 
told me all about it. They were gypsies, and Mr. 
Grey brought me up, and I go to school, and help big 
Joe drive home the cows, to pay it all back. 

Minister's Wife. — What a charming child she is ! 
Oh, cruel death, why didst thou not leave us one. 

Minister. — Hush, my dear. Perhaps he left this 
one for us. {To the child) Jennie please come this 
way. 

\_The child comes forward loohing coyly and chewing 
the tip of her apron.'] 

Minister. — If no one gave you food or clothes, 
what would you do ? 

Child. — I would go up to God's house and live 
with Him. 

The minister and wife drove up to Farmer Grey's, 
and found him and wife upon the porch. "When 
dinner was over, the clergjmian, (Rev. Dr. Paul), 
said : " We have no living children, and would bear 
the joyous burden of this child. She seems a won- 
drous mine of wit and goodness. You have others." 

Farmer. — The smiles of heaven have fallen on^ 
my fields. This robin picks a few grains out of my 



A PICTUBE OF LIFE. 49 

loaded barns, and tenfold pays by sprightly chirping. 
Perhaps you can do better for her. Girls repay good 
culture. 

So thanking the host for kindness, and kissing all 
the children, but Jennie twice, parson and wife 
departed. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Depaetuee of Jennie 

ripHKEE years have gone since the last scene. 
-*- Farmer Grey is again upon the porch, and again 
the minister drives up the lane and says, ^* My friend, 
I see sorrow on your face, and a vacant chair beside 
you. Tell me, where is your wife ? " - 

Farmer, — The flowers that she nursed bloom on 
her breast, and kindly watch while she is sleeping on 
the hill. 

Minister, — All that God does is best. Death is 
a mystery, so is life. I came for Jennie, but having 
lost your crown, you may cling to this jewel. 

Farmer. — You may freely lead her by her finger- 
tips; but this farm shall sink before you force her. 
Let the maiden speak her wish. 

Minister. — My precious one, what say you % Will 
you go ? 

Jennie. — Good father Grey, some of your children 
think you are too good to me. I'll come back to see 
you, but 'tis best to go. 

Smiling and crying, the romantic little maiden, 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 51 

now thirteen years old, left the house of Farmer Grey, 
for a dwelling with Rev. Dr. Paul, at the parsonage 
on Clover Hill. Here she became a precious trust. 

As the sparrow finds a house, and the swallow a 
nest for herself, on the altars of the Lord, so did 
Jennie on the hearthstone of the Lord's anointed. 

We leap forward in our story. Seven more 
winters have, ghostlike, haunted as many dying years, 
and now Jennie, bearing the roses of twenty summers 
on her cheeks, steps athwart the present. She is now 
a noble type of the young woman of the nineteenth 
century. The same e^^es that sharply twinkled over 
the wayside flowers sparkle and flash in the meetings 
of a certain Rainbow Club, of which we will shortly 
speak. 

Jennie has the same independence, but it is more 
gracious ; the same wit, but it is more polished ; the 
same beaut}-, but more mature. Under the skillfal 
care of the village parson and his accomplished wife, 
teachers, books, newspapers, 'magazines and lectures, 
have all aided in developing this bright specimen 
of God's most charming work, a virtuous maiden. 
For some time to come, Jennie's mother, the 
daughter of Jonathan Boone, who was stolen from 
Windsor (as Charlie Ross from Philadelphia), will 
disappear with her husband, but in due time, will 
we trust be again welcomed. Having sketched the 



62 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

history of this joung woman, we go back to do as 
much for a young man, who is becoming fascinated 
by her, and is to act a leading part in our drama. 
This is not a love story merely, but nature has so 
fashioned us all, that an extended Picture of Life 
cannot be true to the original without some fondness 
in it. 



CHAPTER X. 

1]^ the State of ISTew York, there is a famous old 
County of Orange, where Clinton, Seward, and 
Eager were born. In the Drowned Lands of New 
Jersey there rises a river, which, running across 
Orange and Ulster, enters the Hudson near Kingston. 
This is the Wallkill. 

It is a most beautiful stream, pouring its tide fifty 
miles through forest and meadow. In its sparkling 
depths, the chubby sun-fish, the beautiful pickerel, and 
bass, the open-faced sucker, and nimble eel lead their 
sportive lives. Had this river rolled through ancient 
Greece, Rome, or Persia, poets would have sung 
enchanting lyrics to its praise, orators have been 
inspired by its presence, and the gentle triumphs of 
peace and the rough ones of war, been celebrated on 
its banks. Sometimes the torrent, made uncommonly 
strong by late winter floods, plays a mad frolic in early 
spring. Checked in its course by walls of ice, it 
plunges madly through adjacent plains, then wheeling 
back, dashes onward, carrying bridges, trees, and 
fences, and leaving in its path, like the overflowing Nile, 
a rich sediment Irom the marshes, whence it sprang. 



64 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

The lands on either side are fat and smiling. 
This section is known the world over, as the Wallkill 
Yallej, and rivals the classic fields of Tempo, and 
the Shenandoah Yalley of old Virginia. The sweet 
waters and rich pastures make the creamy milk and 
golden butter of Orange County, which can postpone 
a case of starvation very handsomely. 

This county need not blush when the pages of 
history are turned, for Minisink witnessed her valor, 
and Washington's Headquarters, and rocky West 
Point are on her soil. 

Right in the lap of this latter day Arcadia, w^ith 
the river on one side, and the railroad on the other, 
is the throne of the Queen Tillage of the Wallkill 
Yalley, — the beautiful Montgomery. 

The town is of easy access by well kept roads, is 
adorned by sidewalks, with stone flagging, and beau- 
tiful gardens, overlooking a noble bridge. Of its long 
honored academy, we can truly say. 

All liail to tlie sons, who have grown up so strong. 
And daughters, fair subjects for story and song. 

As lived the patriarch Job, in the land of Uz, so 
lived Solomon Rainbow in the land of Orange 
County. He was an upright man, and one that 
feared God, However, his oxen kept peacefully 
plowing in his fields, but no Sabeans fell upon them. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 55 

He had, unlike the ancient worthy, no sons or daugh- 
ters, but like him he had a great household, who 
shared his wealth, his honors, and his happiness. He 
had been chosen to the legislature, and repeatedly 
elected without opposition as village justice. His 
ancestral home, which crowned the rising ground 
immediately to the north of Gypsy Bell, was the 
abode of open-handed hospitality, which was wisely 
dispensed by his faithful, but sharp-tongued spouse 
Jemima. 

John Kainbow, the only brother of Solomon, was 
at the time we speak, an infirm old gentleman of 
seventy- five. He was of a peculiar turn of thought, 
and his quaint and close-fitting remarks often occa- 
sioned much merriment and applause. He once 
attended a temperance meeting, at which a little, 
snappy, long-winded, intemperate advocate of tem- 
perance, made a ferocious speech of little sense. He 
was called out and spoke as follows-: "I am the 
oldest temperance man in this town, and I hope to 
die in the faith. My mantle I will leave to him who 
deserves it best. My unfinished temperance work I 
leave to the three hundred boys and girls whose 
names are on my pledge. It takes a smart man to 
make a short speech. 1 am through." Applause 
shook the Eef ormed Church of Montgomery. 

John was a widower. Several years previous, 



56 A PICTURE OP LIPB. 

death had claimed the companion of his life. Long 
had she been the well loved subject of skillful care. 
Her natural vivacity constantly cheered her long 
illness, while her Christian fortitude diffused around 
her presence the glory of perpetual day. Conscious 
that the shock of the inevitable was just at hand, she 
rallied all her strength, and said: " Farewell, earth. 
Lord Jesus, meet me at the river." In a moment, her 
face was tranquil, for the angel of silence had j)laced 
upon it his inflexible stamp. 

From this mother, the son Milton inherited his 
sprightly, poetic temperament. If we indulge in a 
brief survey of the time of these occurrences, we wull 
better advance in our story, which henceforth mainly 
concerns the years 1874-5-6-7 and 8. 

Over all the world peace rested. The Kussian- 
Turkish War was not begun. The war of the Rebel- 
lion was over. Of those who waged it, many were at 
rest in honored graves, both north and south, while 
the survivors in the different sections of the Union, 
like a four horse team, drew the chariot of ISTational 
Government. 

The American people were inspired with noble 
zeal to hold a Grand Eeunion -at the Centennial. 
Peace-loving Victoria was on the throne of England. 
France was a Republic. The German States, still 
preserving their individuality, were united in one 



A PICTURE OF LIPE. 57 

Grand Empire, of which "William the Good was 
Chief. Alexander acceptably filled the throne of 
mighty Russia. Turkey was still sick, and Italy was 
free. 

Although the sky blazed with no meteors in liter- 
ature, art, or science, yet the heavens were bright 
with many stars. The wheels of commerce turned 
swiftly by the power of steam. The Electric Tele- 
graph whispers the news from town to town, and 
continent to continent. The daily paper, having 
driven old fashioned gossip into a corner, enabled the 
man of business to read the bulletin of the world, 
and feel the pulse of trade, while sipping his morning 
Java. Within fifty years, civilization had swiftly 
advanced. Mowing, reaping, and knitting machines 
kept a clatter. Photography was known, Petroleum 
discovered, and steam-plowing ventured. Hoosac, 
Bergen, and Midland Tunnels were finished, the 
Brooklyn Bridge was building, the Poughkeepsie 
talked of, Dover tunnel and bridge were dreamed of, 
and Lightning was set to music. ' 

At this period, life was intense. The land was 
gridironed with railroads. Fortunes were made and 
lost in a day. Speculation in bubbles was at fever 
heat, and sharpers fat as harvest frogs. The hard 
times following the war, were lit up by a general 
revival of religion, extending from America through 



5^ A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Britain, and gently through the world. As the Cru- 
sades or Wars of the Cross, in which Eobert of Nor- 
mandy, Tyrrel, Kichard, the lion-hearted, and Peter 
the Hermit in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, 
roused many nations, and stained many Jields with 
blood, so did these peaceful Crusades or Wars of the 
Cross, led by Moody, Sankey, Bliss, Hammond, 
Parker, Graves, and hosts of other lay evangelists, 
rouse many nations, mark many fields with Christian 
love, and seal many covenants with the signet of 
Salvation, dipped in the blood of Christ. 

Tliese scenes nobly crowned the last quarter of 
the nineteenth century, and turned Milton Kainbow 
from folly to sobriety. As he was the only scion of 
the Rainbow house, and would in time inherit all the 
family lands, money and fame, so therefore his father 
and uncle desired to learn what means would curb 
his restless spirit, and set him soberly down. His 
mercurial temperament sometimes turned him toward 
fanciful theories and gilded enterprises, and then lifted 
him up to the wildest adventures. 

At one time his face was turned to where fortune 
waved her faithless flag over the wilds of Idaho, but 
the sight of his father's trembling hand, and shrunken 
cheek steadied him again. Each year increased the 
father's feebleness, and he wisely held a conference 
with his brother. The father said: "My son's 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 59 



bright eye and pleasant wit, are precious motherly 
endowments. His springy step he got from me, for 
now I have it not. In two years more, the Great 
Centennial comes. I shall not view the Exhibition, 
perhaps will not live to hear of its wondrous display. 
But I hope, that by uniting all our efforts, we may 
so impress the dignity of life upon my son, that he 
will appear at the Centennial, as a worthy specimen 
of young American manhood." 

Hereupon, Solomon took off his hat, and old man 
as he was, swung it three times around his head, 
giving three cheers for the good suggestion. He 
then exclaimed, "Good brother John, the thought is 
right-inspiring. All my resources shall with zeal, 
give aid. Perhaps Jemima may suspect the cost." 

John made reply, "Your wife is saving, but dis- 
creet. God doth provide the wind and sea. Let 
man, the ship with banner bravely flying." 



CHAPTER XI. 

A FTER a brief delay, spent in conference and 
^-^ delicate correspondence, Solomon and John 
selected the 

MEMBERS OF THE CLUE. 

1. John Rainbow — the princvpal founder, 

2. Solomon Rainbow — i/ie chaiinnan. 

3. Rev. Dk. Paul — the village parson. 

4. Daniel W. Lawblowee — village attorney, 
6. Horace G. Quillstick — village editor, 

6. Milton Rainbow — son of John for whose hen- 

eft the club was. 

HONORAKT MEMBERS. 

7. Old Dr. Chloral — an eccentric village phy- 

sician. 

8. Major John Plump — 'bachelor^ and amateur 

son of Mars. 

9. Mr. Galloway — the Saxon man of mind. 
10. Aunt Jemima — keen spoken woman of busi- 
ness. 

The joint founders next sought counsel as to the 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 61 

proper place of regular session. The poetic nephew 
said it would be a Yerj picturesque affair, to hold the 
coi>f(3rence by moonlight, in a grove on the banks of 
the Wallkill. The lawyer and editor sent response, 
that this delicate question might best be settled by 
the worthy founders ; skillfully adding in a postscript, 
that if choice fell upon the front parlor of Solomon's 
house, the selection would be extremely felicitous. 
This choice was made. 

An informal introductory meeting was held in 
the month of May, 1874:. All the members were 
present, and their cheerful faces reflected the light of 
some hickory fagots,which blazing on the hearth, threw 
sparks out into the room. The other portions of the 
house were heated by the modern contrivances for 
burning coal, such as a huge range in the kitchen, a 
heater in the dining and sitting room, which also 
warmed the adjoining sleeping apartment, and the 
rooms above. But antiquity maintained supremacy 
in the parlor fire-place, where vanished the hickory, 
maple, and oak trees, lately standing sentry on the 
Wallkill. While there is much May in poetry, it is 
said there is but little poetry in May. The soft 
breezes of April are welcome, and the early flowers 
and softer breath of May, are precious; but it is 
reserved for leafy June, to touch with its rosy wand 
our hearts, and lead out the full tides of hope and joy. 



6^ A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

The large centre table was out in the floor, and 
was covered with books, and materials for writing, 
while around gathered the coterie. Let ns survey 
the group and learn their peculiarities. In conse- 
quence of unusual feebleness, John is absent ; him we 
have ah'eady described. The younger brother Solo- 
mon, had four leading traits : philanthropy, regard 
to duty, good sense, and noble ambition. He was a 
patron of learning. He was not ' a great talker, but 
his words were well chosen, and his remarks on men 
and manners, if gathered up, would have been no 
mean volume which might justly have been called, 
^' The Modern Solomon's book of Proverbs." 

His wife Jemima was a true woman of the 
sharper sort, and firmly set in her ways. Although 
kind-hearted, her tongue was often biting as the 
Bting of a bee. Solomon acknowledged that he had 
largely been guided through life by this Damascus 
blade. Whenever he turned too much to the left, 
Jemima's tongue cut him on the left ear ; when he 
went too slow, he was pricked in the back ; but if he 
went straight along in the middle way and kept step 
with his wife, he felt nothing disagreeable. She 
believed in business, and no foolishness, and was the 
bane of Solomon's and Milton's early literary life. 

The third member, Kev. Dr. Paul, was a gospel 
minister of high standing. He looked with reverence 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 63 

upon his calling, and could tolerate no slovenliness in 
the worship of the great God, his Master. His 
people loved him, and fed him out of their own basket. 
His broad shoulders and stout figure mingled in 
their scenes both of sorrow and of joy. He baptized 
the infants, noticed the children, married the young, 
counseled the middle-aged, comforted the old, and 
loved them all. He was cheerful without being frivo- 
lous, and serious without being gloomy. 

The fourth member, Daniel Webster Lawblower, 
Esq., possessed a sarcastic wit and was peculiar in his 
domestic relations. His wife was a high iiyer, and 
she had a daughter named Hydrangia, who could fly 
higher than her mother. Between the two the poor 
lawyer often got nonsuited. In a court-room, this 
bold advocate could face the judge, tangle the wit- 
nesses, wrangle with the lawyers, and confront 
twelve men on the jury ; but when he found himself 
on opposite sides of any question with one little 
woman, who ruled his mahogany, he withdrew his 
case, and paid an appropriate bill of costs. Hydran- 
gia learned her mother's art, and controlling father 
and mother, played a good hand in a very high game, 
as we will see. 

The fifth member, Horace Quillstick, Esq., was 
editor and proprietor of The Montgomery Town 
Press. He was an outgrowth of the nineteenth cen- 



64 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

tiirj, and a most intense devotee at the shrine of the 
last occurrence. He was also great in eloquent edi- 
torials. Khetoric, history, and mathematics were part 
of his stock in trade, which often exploded like triple 
bomb-shells in the face of the foe; bnt sometimes 
swnng around like a boomerang, and devastated his 
own rear. As the royal tiger of Bengal loves his 
prey lately killed, so did editor Quillstick love items 
lately happened. Quillstick was a medium sized man, 
weighing somewhere between one hundred and two 
hundred pounds, which is usually considered proper 
weight for an editor. 

Quillstick had obeyed to the letter that part of the 
Mosaic dispensation, which enjoined to multiply and 
replenish the earth. He was not content with talking 
of population, but showed his faith by his works, 
several shabbily bound volumes of which surrounded 
the family table, and were annually welcomed in an 
appropriate seven pound editorial. They were a 
hardy brood, and although not all looked alike, 3^et as 
some looked like himself he considered it encourao^ins^. 

The sixth member, Milton Rainbow, was champion 
of the light weights. He had plenty of longitude, 
physically failed on latitude, but intellectually took all 
the latitude going. He was in early life, liable to 
break out in a stanza on the least provocation, and 
worshipped the nine Muses with as much devotion as 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 65 

thongli they were a full dozen. He received much 
counsel from parent and uncle, and much ridicule from 
Jemima, who would often say that while many could 
make less poetry than her nephew, and some even 
worse, yet as for digesting a good dinner, she had no 
doubt he could whip Shakespeare himself. 

But while Milton was too lively and unsteady, let 
no one suppose lie was destitute of judgment. More- 
over, he had his times of deepest, most serious thought. 
Being pleasant in manner, and sprightly in conversa- 
tion, he was a welcome guest in all circles. If he 
became too gay, his father would whisper, " My son, 
be not prodigal to waste what heaven has been so prod- 
igal to give. Health, hope, and wit are thine, rich 
gifts, pray thou for wisdom, go slow, look sharp, and 
the path of duty, which alone is wisdom, and true 
pleasure will reveal itself." 

The seventh member was Doctor Chloral, a little 
dried up old man, very forward and bustling at 
times, and then again reserved and silent. What he 
said, usually smacked of the shop. Some years before 
he had made some small medical discovery, which 
had turned his head toward eccentric vanity. 

The eighth member. Major John Plump, was a 
rather thick-set middle-aged gentleman, positive in 
manner and language, fond of ladies' society, and yet 
a chronic bachelor. Having formerly figured in the 



66 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

militia, he continued a parade. He was of indepen- 
dent property, and had a characteristic way of strut- 
ting about with his thumbs in his vest, — occasionally 
rising forward — then coming down on his heels 
saying, " I'm true to name, that's my opinion plump." 

The ninth member was Mr. Galloway, a short, 
heavy whiskered man, with sharp black eyes nestling 
under his swarthy brow. His words were few in 
number, but terrible in force. Mrs. Galloway was a 
woman of some peculiarities. She had an excellent 
opinion of herself, and was happy. She had a still 
more excellent opinion of her husband, and was proud. 
Her usual introductory speech to a stranger, was as 
follows: "Sir, are you acquainted with my husband, 
Mr. Galloway?" 

If the person had not thus been honored, she vol- 
unteered to introduce him at once. In ordinary 
conversation she would often say, "Well, there is 
only one thing we can do, ask my husband, Mr. Gal- 
loway, he always knows what to say." 

In addition we will mention a wild village wit, 
Bob Porter. Nor would we forget a sprightly colored 
boy named Pompey Csesar, whose ancestors were 
reared upon the place. Pompey's father was an 
excellent man, and leader of the " Colored Prayer 
Meeting for the conversion of the world." The 
ebony saint was once singing his psalms, when the 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 67 

load of hay, on which he was devoutly riding, 
suddenly npset over him. When a dozen forks had 
dug him out, he responded, " Here I am, but bless 
de Lord, dreffully cast down and oberwhelmed." 

The present young Pompey was no such individ- 
ual, lie was cunning and honest when fast asleep, 
and would have expunged the word futurity from the 
dictionary as needless. "When a yearling, old Pompey 
tumbled him out of a bag at his master's feet, saying, 
" Dar am a Christmas, massa." 

At this Introductory Meeting, plans were marked, 
but no action taken. Company adjourned one week, 
to complete the work of organization. 



CHAPTER XII 

Organization of toe Rainbow Club. 

"T^URSUANT to adjournment, the proposed incor- 
-■- porate and honorary members assembled as 
before. A serious look rested upon them, as though 
they were about to lay the corner-stone of a durable 
building. Affairs were so arranged that Milton was 
not pre*sent at the earlier part of the session, as it was 
not deemed desirable that he should hear some 
proposed remarks. 

Solomon — rising from his large old-fashioned chair, 
into which he had been smiUngly led by the minister, 
said : 

Gentlemen and brothers: It has always seemed 
best to do good as we can when going through life, 
for we shall not come this way again. Heaven has 
denied to me the rich blessing of children, but has 
given me a nephew precious as a son. He is a young 
man of tender feeling, strict integrity, and varied 
accomplislunents. But he seems unable to settle 
down into the sober business of life. My brother and 
myself have called this council, that by mingling with 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 69 

the serious and wise, this our mutual friend may 
fling away frivolity. What say you all ? 

Rev. Dr, Paul. — It is a most praiseworthy un- 
dertaking. 

Editor Quillstich. — The development of true man- 
hood has been one of the leading objects of the edi- 
torials prepared by myself, for the journal I have 
the honor to control ; I refer to ** The Weekly Town 
Press." We endorse the project, sir. 

Here occurred a most startling incident which 
fully illustrates the character of the young man in 
question ; and which we would hardly have dared to 
put upon the pages of this report, were it not authen- 
ticaj:ed by those who witnessed it. 

When the editor had spoken the words " We 
endorse the project sir," at once a loud, clear sound of 
a trumpet was heard at the door, which was at once 
opened ; and some one entered shouting through the 
trumpet — 

" Hail, all hail the Rainbow Club I 
Yet not all hail, — some fire and thunder 
Enough to rend a world asunder." 

The harsh and unexpected tones fell strangely on 
the ear. l^ox was this all ; for the person thus speak- 
ing wore a surprising attire. It was military in the 
highest degree. In fact it was Gen. George Wash- 
ington come round again in every particular. There 



70 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

were the military coat and breeclies, the high boots 
and spurs, the brass buttons and sword, the bright 
epaulettes and hat. In addition he bore in his hat 
dancing feathers, and in his hand the thundering 
trumpet. Our readers can easily reproduce the pic- 
ture of this military apparition before the peaceful 
philosophers. 

It came forward and thus addressed the company : 

Brave Signors and fair ladies — 

Mere words but feebly tell 

What feelings in my bosom swell — 

Uncle, my affection for you is here {^uts hand on his 
heart). 

Solomon. — Ah it is indeed my nephew ! But why 
this martial bearing ? Is it mere parade ? 

Milton. — ISTo, uncle, no. But yesterday you said 
the times required more "Washingtons, and so I 
thought I would go for one. 

Solomon. — Nephew, be seated. "We form a club. 
"Who can foretell the result. 

Nepheic. — Certainly, of course. Columbus stum- 
bled on a continent ! "Washington and others rescued 
a nation ; one man and one woman peopled a globe. 
Here I see seven men, two old women and a doctor, 
and who can tell the result ? 

Led on by Learning's glittering star, 
We aim at facts both near and far. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 71 

And when we see a cliance to win 
We'll like a liero brave cut in, 
But when the darkness comes and doubt, 
We'll like a hero wise, cut out. 

Dr, Paul. — ^We came here to-night to form a 
social club. There are three kinds of progress, the 
forward progress, the backward progress, and the 
standstill progress. We wish to make the advance 
progress, but who will tell us how ? 

For a moment silence reigned, when a rustling 
movement was heard in one corner, and a middle- 
aged lady dressed in black and with a sharp nose, made 
her usual little speech as follows : " "Well there is 
only one thing we can do, and that is, ask my 
husband, Mr. Galloway, he always knows what to say." 
At once from all parts of the room came call for " Mr. 
Galloway, Galloway, Galloway." 

As w^e have stated, this gentleman was a man of 
few words but they were thunderbolts. He arose and 
said, " Let your guide be common sense. Castle or 
cabin must have a foundation, so with a club. Adopt 
at once a good square constitution." 

The advice was followed by adopting this 

CONSTITUTIOIT. 

Art. 1. This Society shall be known as The Kain- 
bow Club of Orange County. 



72 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Art. 2. Its officers shall be a perpetual chairman, 
secretary, and treasurer. 

Art. 3. Its revenues shall be the free-will offerins^s 
of members and friends. 

Art. 4:. Its objects shall be the increase of knowl- 
edge, usefulness and happiness. 

The lawyer proposed that Sol. Rainbow be per- 
petual chairmain, Milton Eainbow be perpetual 
treasurer, and Editor Quillstick be perpetual sec- 
retary. 

Motion adopted. 

Milton Rainbow. — Gentlemen, I have now an office 
in the club, and like every one the world over, I feel 
like speaking my mind freely. Is this club a vessel 
freighted with warm-hearted, and sharp-eyed explorers 
after knowledge ? Be it so. Shall we then drift idly 
with the tide, or go by steam? I say steam, and 
steam means money ; there's an X to anchor the corner 
of our treasury. 

All the members contribute, when the lawyer 
shakes old Doctor Chloral and says, " Wake up, and 
contribute some hues to the Rainbow." 

Doctor. — Ah, yes truly, I was meditating. The 
iron would make it black and lime make it white. 
The question is how they unite into red. 

Lawyer. — Never mind the red circulating fluid, 
but the green circulating medium. 



A PICTURE OE LIFE. 73 

BoctoT. — Ah, yes, surely, I have several books of 
Eecords of Medicines and attendance for patients who 
remembered to recover, but forgot to pay. You 
may have twenty pages with power to collect. 

Major Plump, — We have a constitution and 
treasury. We need a librar}''. 

2£inister,—l propose the first book be a good 
dictionary. 

Editor. — I move the second be a complete file of 
my Town Press. 

Milton. — I move the third book be an almanac. 

Doctor. — Indeed yes, certainly, but not a medical 
almanac, for they are full of descriptions, Tom, Dick, 
and their families read, and get what's going. The 
first thing we doctors would know, half the town 
would be down with Epidemics, Hifluvics, and heaven 
knows what ; if it were not for such medicines as my 
Compound Tincture of Paregoric and Liveforever. 

Jemima. — May I say a word ? 

Milton. — Certainly, my dear aunt, say a dozen, 
and then say on. 

Jemim,a. — Even with all your soger clothes on, 
what does your talk amount to ? 

{A half S'uldued laugh goes around the chih.) 

Editor.— Msid^m, your nephew has the poetic gift, 
the divine afflatus. 



74 A PICTUBE OF LIFE. 

Jemima. — He is flat enough, the only gift he has 
is the gift of gab. 

Milton. — ^Aiint Jemima, you are right. The 
greatest treasure nature ever gave to man, except 
yourself, is the gift of speech. As long as you live I 
will respect you ; and when you are gone, I will take 
snuff to your memory. 

Jemima, — Then take some now. (The old lady 
throws her snuff box at Milton's head, hits him, and 
spills the contents. Milton brushes off the fragrant 
powder, saying, " "Well, for once in my life, I am up 
to snuff.") 

Order having been restored, the dutiful nephew 
gathered up the snuff box uninjured, and with mili- 
tary bow, returned it to the owner. 

Editor. — We deal roughly with our library. 
What have we done with Milton, mighty aeronaut, 
who soared higher with the warring squadrons of 
Ether, and went down lower into the Camp of the 
Lost Host, than any other man ! And Shakespeare, 
mightiest painter of Human Nature. What with 
Tully, Demosthenes, Kollin, Homer, and Franklin ? 

Milton. — 

And Byron, don't want him, eli ? 
Nor Watts, nor Wesley, neither Grey, 
Nor any heaven-touched lips that sung, 
Scott, Johnson, Goldsmith, Pope, nor Young? 
Nor e'en the world's sweet Tennyson ? 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 75 

Nor Pollock, Bryant, Longfellow, nor Hood, 
Nor other fellows, long or short ; but good? 

The Major. — I'm true to name. I speak my 
opinion plump. What we need is a literature fresh, 
green and gushing. 

Editor. — Then let the major write his autobiogra- 
phy, and we will have it. 

Chairman. — Will good Doctor Chloral give us his 
opinion on libraries and books. 

The Doctor suddenly looks up, winks with both 
eyes, and says, " Yes, surely books are valuable, that 
is, good books are; but it is aiwaj^s safe to give my 
Compound Tincture till relief is gained." 

Mrs. G allow ay. ^-WeW men, you are getting all 
mixed up. There is only one thing to do. Ask my 
husband, Mr. Galloway, he always knows what to 
say. Loud calls were made for the gentleman, who 
responded. 

Mr. Galloway. — Every published document is a 
subject of ridicule. Every society is also forced to 
run the gauntlet of the wits. This club will be no 
exception. We must think wisely, talk sensibly, and 
act prudently, or be toasted on the gridiron of ridicule. 
Our true ambition is to secure the prize of wisdom, 
which is often found in the way of travel. Thus may 
our young friend Rainbow acquire wisdom by absorp- 
tion, and discover much of the world is not in his own 



76 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

town. By mingling with others, persons get rubbed 
bright, and then by reflection give light to others. 

Lawyer. — If we venture on a journey, Doctor 
Chloral must go as a surgeon. 

Doctor. — Ah, yes ; no, impossible. I have twenty 
cases down with the pleurisy, and more expected. 

Cries of " name them," '' who are they ? " 

Doctor. — Why, there is Mrs. Jones and her 
daughter, and old Mrs. Brown, and — and lots of others 
that I've forgot. 

The Major. — Neither can I travel. There is 
some danger of insurrection among the Anti-Renters 
of the Muddy Kill Flats. But there shall be no 
trifling with the military. If it be possible I will not 
spill a drop of blood or cause a man to smell powder, 
but there must, I say, be no trifling with the military. 

Milton. — Major, if you want a Washington, remem- 
ber I've got the clothes. Travel would serve me well 
with editor and lawyer. 

Jemima. — Land sakes alive ! Travel will have as 
much efiect on you as a mustard-plaster on a flre- 
shovel. You will leave home three ganders and come 
back three geese. {Great merriment^ 

Chairman. — What says our worthy friend Doctor 
Paul? 

Minister. — Travel is good, but costly. Gold 
makes a pilgrim's breath smell sweet. 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 77 

Chairman. — I direct those who go, to take one- 
fourth of the money in tlie treasury. I also direct my 
nephew to execute a note of one hundred dollars, suita- 
bly endorsed, and raise the face less discount, at one of 
the banks of Newburgh. I have hopes that travel 
will benefit my nephew. 

On motion The Rainbow Club, having organized, 
b}^ adopting a constitution, electing officers, and secur- 
ing treasury and library, adjourned. But in reality 
merely adjourned to the adjoining room, the doors 
of which were at once thrown invitingly open. Uncle 
Solomon taking Aunt Jemima by the arm, said to the 
company, "Kind friends, having toiled for the good 
time coming, let us enjoy the good time that is. 
Soldiers, follow your leader." 

Time would fail to tell of all the substantial dishes 
and ingenious luxuries of the rural feast. The table 
groaned with good things, of which the guests par- 
took so freely that they groaned also. 

The club and other invited guests — without skip- 
ping an item — ate down the bill of fare, which con- 
tained five varieties of pieserves, four sorts of cake, 
three breeds of pickles, with bread, meats and drinks 
in profusion. 

While the banquet was at its joyous height, the 
lawyer said to the editor, " Which do you prefer, phi- 
losophy, or boned-chicken?" 



.78 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

The eloquent ^'Knight of the qnill " replied as 
follows : '' Before supper I prefer pliilosoph}^ ; but 
during supper give me boned chicken, or give me 
death." 

Amid loud calls for Mr. Galloway, that gentleman 
arose and said, " Philosophy is good in its place, and so 
is a roast duck ; but there is something in an oyster 
pie that meets with a responsive chord right here in 
the human breast {puts hands helow his hreast). 

Just as the feathered watchmen were finishins^ 
their nap previous to proclaiming the dawn of a new 
day, the members of the club departed to their respect- 
ive abodes, and ere long Solomon the chairman, by 
the volition of a benignant Providence, quickly fell 
asleep. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

Rainbow in the Quassaick Bank. 

"TN obedience to the Chairman, the nephew equipped 
-■- with his note of hand, proceeded to draw the 
money. 

The scene occurs in The Quassaick National Bank 
of Newburgh. The banking desk is seen. The 
president stands in the door of the directors' room. 
Cashier, teller, and clerks are at their books. Milton 
Bainbow enters with umbrella and paper parcel. 

B. — Sir, I would be pleased to have this note of 
100 by 90 discounted. 

Teller. — Wq would be pleased to accommodate, but 
we are not discounting at present, except to regular 
customers. 

H. — You can depend upon me as a regular cus- 
tomer ; for when the time is up I will be around regu- 
lar as a clock to get it renewed. 

Teller. — That's the trouble, besides we discount at 
present only in extreme cases. 

R. to Cashier. — This is an extreme case, for I 
haven't a dollar in my pocket. 



80 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

Cashier, — Our directors have held a meeting, the 
orders are strict. 

R. to the JPres. — Sir, I am naturally as mild as a 
sucking dove, unless driven to extreme measures. 
But if I cannot obtain financial facilities here, I will 
remove my deposits from this bank, as sure as there is 
a tail to a dog or a comet. 

Pres. to Cashier. — What is the amount of Mr. 
Kainbow's deposits with us ? 

Cashier. — ISTot a penny. 

Bainboio. — Yes sir, I just deposited that bundle 
and umbrella in this bank. 

Cashier. — Not in the least. That plunder is out- 
side the rail, the bank inside. You might as well tie 
your horses to a post in the street, and then claim a 
dividend on farm-stock in the bank. 

President. — Next customer. 

Bairibow. — "Wait till you get through with me. 
Let us argue this case. I have my views of banking. 
I believe the stockholders select their best lookino^ 
men for directors, and the best looking man is made 
president. The next best man to be found, if honest, 
and quick at figures, is put in for cashier, the next 
for teller, and so on. I believe that handsome is, that 
handsome does. Mr. President, the Rainbow Club is 
about to start on a journey, to make discoveries in 
science, literature, and navigation. Now if we fail to 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 81 

get this money, we are stuck sadly, thoronglily stuck ; 

like the chariot of Mars against the corner of a pyramid. 

{The 'president and officers hold a parley') 

President. — Money is very close at present. 

liainhow. — l^o doubt of it. I see piles of it 
within a foot of your vest, but not close to me. Out 
in Montgomery, the charming metropolis of our 
neighborhood, money is too far off. If it were closer, 
we might do better, none nearer than Walden. They 
have a bank there. 

Pres. to Cashier. — This is an unusual case. "We 
must keep things moving. If the Rainbow Club 
sticks fast, no telling what may stop next. Let the 
club have all they want on good security. Who are 
on your paper ? 

Rainbow. — Milton Rainbow and Lawblower are 
on for wings, with Qiiillstick on for tail. 

{Teller counts out the money) 
Rainbow throws down the note, and taking up the 
money makes a low bow, and exclaims, *' Heaven 
bless the banks of JS'ewburgh, bless the Qnassaick 
Bank, the Newburgh Bank, the Highland JBank, the 
Savings Bank, both banks of the Hudson, and good 
Hugh S. Banks, and heaven bless the banks of New- 
foundland, and give us codfish and mustard till all is 

blue. 

{Amid great tnerriment exit Rainbow) 
4* 



CHAPTER XIII. 

rp H'REE Kainbow Philosophers, Milton, Law- 
-^ blower, and Qnillstick, set out on a beautiful 
morning to spend this money in the delights of travel. 
The editor declared he must return in a week, as he 
could not trust the Town Press to edit itself for a 
longer period. 

They go swiftly down the New York and Erie 
Pail road, and halt at Paterson Falls, which they 
decide to be a very majestic arrangement for letting 
down water with a rush. Then they behold the 
enchanting vista of Hohokus, and emerging from the 
lono; cranite tomb of Bero:en Tunnel, are soon at 
Jersey City, with only the lordly Hudson between 
them and New York. At a glance, they take in the 
burning focus of the western world, the fairy shores 
of Staten -Island, the rocky heights of Hoboken, the 
magnificent ba}-, and the wonderful metropolis. 

Having friends in Jersey City, it was dark when 
crossing the river for New York. They saw the 
dancing lights that followed the motion of the vessels 
in the baj^, saw the long lines of street lamps, and felt 
the power of that vast empire of night, reared on the 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 83 

ruins of day, and softened by the starry chandelier of 
the sky. Having crossed the Hudson, the planks 
were thrown upon the dock, and the crowd rushed 
upon the landing. Amid the confusion and partial 
darkness, were heard the sounds, "Want a cab," 
" Metropolitan," " Fifth Avenue," " Clarendon," " St. 
Nicholas." In a moment a passenger cried, " Good 
heavens, I'm robbed." Carefully guarding their money 
our travellers pushed on to their hotel. 

The next morning after breakfast, they gazed on 
the grand emporiums of science, art and" trade, and 
dreamily viewed the human tide, which drawn from 
all the globe, sweeps through Broadwa}^ Editor 
Quillstick suggested a professional call upon the JSTew 
York reporters, who lead a merry life sandwiching 
the details of a high wedding on the Avenue, with the 
frantic efforts of some burglar suffering under a con- 
fusion of ideas in regard to meum and tuum. 

As Christopher Columbus, seeking the Indies, 
stumbled on a continent, so did the Rainbow Club, 
searching for lynx-eyed reporters, fall into several 
dens of editorial lions, which we cannot here describe 
in full. 

It was in the mild October of the day when the 
club reached their hotel. It was the Clarendon. This 
choice was made not merely because there is where 
the foreign lords all put up, but because a patron of 



84 A PICTUKB OP LIFE. 

the club, a raercliant prince, and commissioner of docks 
who also kept a fnll supply of touching crab-apple 
cider, lived at this place. A dinner at a first class 
hotel is something to be remembered. The brilliant 
light, the beauty of the ware, the artistic arrangement, 
and regal bounty of the feast, make one imagine he 
dines at a court. 

The club decided to spend the evening as follows : 
first, go to an advertised temperance meeting, and 
then attend the opera, for which they arrayed them- 
selves in white chokers. The meetinor was held in a 
neighboring church, and strangers having been invited 
to speak, Milton Rainbow made a brief, but telling 
address. While he was speaking, a small cluster of 
persons in the church seemed greatly concerned. At 
the close of the address, the club left the church, and 
as they crossed the vestibule, Kainbow was accosted 
by a little old woman, .who took him by the hand 
and was about to give him a kiss, when Milton shrank 
back, objecting to being kissed in company, because it 
made him " blush so deeply, tliat it spoiled his com- 
plexion." The truth is, the Hainbow Club had been 
taken for a bevy of divines, the white chokers had 
done the business. 

The little old woman with tears in her eyes, looked 
up and said to Kainbow, " Oh my dear little dominie, 
where do you preach V^ He replied with much cler- 



A PiCTUBE OP lip:^. 85 

ical dignity, "Madam, I have been laboring some in 
Orange County, but I am not settled anywhere at 
present." The old lady resumed, " Oh dear, how 
tliankful I am for that. Me and my husband, we 
live over on Long Island, and our dominie got tired 
ami quit." Said Rainbow solemnly, *' Madam, what 
salary do you give ? " 

Old Lady. — Six hundred dollars and a parsonage, 
and one donation a year. But rae and my husband, 
and my daughter and her husband, we run the church, 
and we are all here to-night, and we talked it over 
while you were preaching onto the temperance, and if 
you will come, and be our minister, we will give you 
eight hundred and the parsonage, and two donations 
a year, and the keep of a cow. 

Milton surveyed the group and said, 

I've tliouglit. the field over, my duty is clear, 
I'll preach for the brethren for a thousand a year, 
I'll visit them week days, and preach every Sunday, 
If they give me a Donation Vi^t each Monday. 

The old lady was horrified, and it is supposed, got 
another shepherd. The club proceeded to the opera, 
where the scenery was gorgeous. The music was 
celestial. A Prima Donna thrilled the audience ; she 
was the talk of the town. Milton became excited, 
almost delirious. Stealing out of the audience, he 
managed to gain admission to the green room, and 



86 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

requested permission to " salute the Prima Donna^ 
The manager was indignant, but the Artiste^ admir- 
ing the gallant cavalier, said, " salute me surely, I am 
used to it." Whereupon Milton made one of his 
most brilliant bows, and the eminent songstress curt- 
sied, and smiled benignly behind her fan. 

Our frantic hero then offered to make the fortune 
of the manager. " Sir, you have music, poetry and 
painting, you need Rainbow of Orange to supply the 
eloquence." The manager said, " Sir, I learn readily 
by observation, give samples of your oratorical 
power." 

Eainbow gazed an instant, and thus burst out. 
*• In such a little crowd as this, what could Demos- 
thenes do ? But were there more of it ; did I but see 
from the broad stage, the speaking eyes and love lit 
faces of hundreds of beautiful ladies, and the noble 
forms of many brave men, let the hall ring with 
plaudits, the ladies waving their handkerchiefs, the 
men clapping their hands, show me heaps, crowds, 
multitudes of people, crying, " Bravo, bravo," " huzza, 
huzza," then, then^ if I don't rage and blaze, and be 
eloquent, then, and not till then, in the burning words 
of the pathetic Hibernian, "let my epitaph be written." 

At the close of this sample, the manager said to 
the orator, " Do you see that door % " 

The speaker answered, " I do." 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 87 

Manager. — Then go through it — all of you. 

The editor retorted, " We cannot go through the 
door without an axe, but we will gladly go through 
the vacant place where the door was." So opening 
it, the three Eainbows faded from view. 

The cool evening breeze revived our hero. While 
the club was standing on a street corner ; a stranger 
pleasantly advised them " to see the world ; while they 
were in it," and invited to attend a "Free and Easy 
Concert and Ball." Lawyer and Editor seemed in- 
clined to round out the evening; but Milton refused 
with this language: "As the mariner, who has once 
been shipwrecked, dreads every gale, so do I dread the 
earliest footfall of temptation. Safety is happiness. 
Yirtue is the best philosoph}' — religion is the highest 
wisdom, and says, 'Enter not into the paths of the 
wicked.' " The warning was heeded and the friends 
returned to the hotel. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

"TTTTifEl^ beautiful morn again peeped from the 
' ' curtains of the east, the three after feeding 
the tiger, sallied out in search of wisdom and happi- 
ness. They entered the gallant State of New Jersey. 
As Milton caught a glimpse of a Hackensack car lie 
said, " Heaven bless the good old town where I got; 
mj first fat fee." 

Quickly in the kaleidoscope of steam came noble 
buildings. 

Lawyer. — If this is Kewark, what became of the 
old ark ? 

Rainhow. — Not knowing, I feel a delicacy in say- 
ing, but ask the Editor, he is never operated on in 
that way. 

Editor. — Noah's boys split it up for kindling-wood. 

The club proceed to Elizabeth, " city of villas." 
In the evening they attend a Centennial Tea Party. 
On entering the hall of entertainment they notice 
eatables, drinkables and a fine display of antique 
memorials of Revolutionary times. " And Jacob's 
well was there " with rustic curb and moss-covered 
bucket filled with lemonade. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 89 

"And Eebekah lifted up her eyes, when she saw" 
the club coming, and said, " will ye not drink, at only 
a dimeT' 

The eloquent Editor was alone capable of reply- 
ing, which lie did as follows : " Certainly we will, 
and allow me to add, that your kindness in requesting 
ns to do so, is only equalled by your extreme beauty." 

Approaching another table, Quillstick said, " What 
hast thou for sale ? " 

Lady. — All that you see, I hold for sale. 

Rainlow. — Thy fair right hand I see, what price 
is set on that ? 

Lady. — One thousand dollars. 

Rainbow. — I will give it. 

In sucli a war, who counts the cost 

When wounded in the h-eart 
We boldly dash, forgetting all 

Save love's delicious smart. 

Lady. — Go ask my husband for a bill of sale. 
Eainhow. — Not much. I wish no cloud on my 
title. 

Let your sweet roses bloom, yet they bloom not for me, 
Dutch bulbs and carnations as fair as may be. 

They bloom for your husband, 

They bloom not for me. 

[^TJie club advance to the next table.'] 
Mary, a pretty sales-ghi. — Can I sell you some- 
thing, gentlemen ? 



90 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Editor, — "We be honest men, with families; but 
little money. 

Mary. — I will take your check in payment for 
some ice-cream. 

Lawyer. — The glory of ITew York is at stake. 
By the memory of Clinton, don't flinch. 

Editor. — I will take three plates of cream, and 
give my check in payment. 

Mary. — You shall have the cream. 

Editor. — Now understand the bargain, for, most 
beauteous maiden, I would not wrong thee for a king- 
dom. If I fail to give my check I will give the near- 
est thing to my check. 

Mary hesitates. Her companions cry out, " The 
glory of JSTew Jerse}^ is now at stake. By the memory 
of Frelinghuysen, dorCtflincliP She gives the cream, 
— which is eaten — the plates shoved back. 

Editor (rising). — Companions in glory, let us depart. 

Mary. — No you don't. I want my money, or 
your check. 

Editor. — Yes ; but if I failed, I was to give the 
nearest thing to my check. 

Mary. — When would it be payable ? 

Editor. — Payable on the spot. 

Mary. — Let me have it then. 

Editor. — Here is the nearest thing to my check. 
I give you my cheek. Kiss me quick and let me go. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 91 

At once a great squabble ensued. Gentlemen 
langh — the ladies cry, *' shame " — ** a swindler '' — a 
"robber." 

A stout old lady catches the editor by the neck 
and says, " You rascally little villain, pay my daugh- 
ter, or I'll choke you." 

The editor gives a sudden plunge and upsets the 
old lady under the table. She holds on to him, and 
both are under. Mary bends down to see what has 
become of her mother, when Quillstick catches her 
and all three are under. The lawyer drags him out, 
and puts him for safety on the table where he makes 
this speech : 

Friends, Jerseymen, Ladies: The cream I paid 
in trade, but give me two shillings worth of !N^ightin- 
gale soup, and a fan from angels' wings, and I pay 
half a dollar cash. 

Mary. — Nightingale soup just gone. Pay, and I 
give a fan from angels' wings. 

{Editor pays the money.) 

Mary. — Women are angels, are they not? 

Editor. — Oh certainly. 

Mary takes a position in front, and waving her 
flowing sleeves, inquires, " Do you feel the wind ? " 

Editor.- — I do. 

Then said Mary, " You have a fan from angels' 
wings." 



92 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Great signs of triumph are shown by the ladies 
waving handkorchiefs, and crying, ^'Well done, 
Mary." Editor calls for his hat, and makes for the 
door, followed Iw his companions. The crowd cheer 
and Quillstick cries, "Brothers, let us go back to 
'New York, for the Jersey women carry too many 
guns for the Eainbow Club." 



CHAPTER XV. 

MiSCELLANEOrS MeETING OF THE ClUB. 

SOON after this trip was ended, the members and 
friends of the Rainbow Club met at the call of 
the chairman. Prominent ladies and gentlemen of the 
vicinity were present. 

The lawyer stroked his Jnpiterian beard, the edi- 
tor w^ore a smooth face, the parson sustained side 
whiskers. 

The club appeared in full force and capital feeling. 
Aunt Jemima is in one corner knitting, Jennie and 
Mrs. Paul are listening. As was his custom, the 
nephew delayed his coming and the uncle improved 
the opportunity to unburden his heart as follows: 

" Gentlemen — I am pleased to sa}^ that travel has 
slightly benefited my nephew. Although still gay, 
yet something seems leading him up slowly but surely 
to a higher life. He realizes each must abide the re- 
sults of his conduct, and perpetual merriment is tire- 
some." 

Hereupon Mr. Galloway (strange to say) rose up 
uninvited, and used these words : " Gentlemen, Let 



94 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

me also give my opinion. Time works wonders. 
Only a diamond endures polish. Yonr nephew is a 
diamond in the rough. Yesterday, he read to me an 
outline of Milton's Paradise Lost that filled me with 
amazement. Depend upon it, the sacred fire is sealed 
up within him, and will yet burst out in flames to 
warm the world." 

At this moment Rainbow entered, bowing grace- 
fully to the club and persistently shaking hands with 
the chairman, to whom he said, " You can always tell 
gentlemen by their manner when they meet. I feel 
the good effects of travel. 

Deep thought and books may store the mind, 

Papers make tidings fly, 
Wise laws may teach men how to live, 

And parsons how to die. 
Hand down the truth from sire to son, 
'Tis travel puts the polish on." 

Chairman. — Some think it better than actual 
travelling to have one who has gone abroad, report in 
such a manner that the scenes appear unattended by 
the usual danger, fatigue and expense, 

Thereupon a full account was given and pleasantly 
received. After varied conversation. Editor Quill- 
stick, with that forcible eloquence for which he was 
distinguished, said, '• Gentlemen, the winds have com- 
paratively little power when scattered over all the 
heavens; but confined within the grasp of the tornado 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 95 

become irresistible. Thus with news. Going from 
mouth to mouth, it is but gossip, but condensed into 
an editorial it becomes weighty and sublime. In 
illustration, I would read mj editorial on our trip." 

Lawyer. — I beg you to refrain. Having taken a 
light supper, I fear the shock more than cold cut from 
Shakespeare or a hot from Milton. 

Editor Quillsticlc. — Would you relish extracts 
from Homer? 

Lawhlower. — ISTay, leave him asleep in his glory. 

" Seven cities claim a Homer dead, 
Through which the living Homer begged his bread." 

Editor Quillsticlc. — In a Quaker meeting, the 
friends speak as the spirit moves. So we speak, as 
moved by the spirit of philosophy. Our language is 
the audible exponent of our inward perceptions, that's 
what I mean. {Cries of '^ Certainly ^^'^ '^ Just so ex- 
actly ^"^ " Of course it is that wayP) I have always 
been curious to know, what a public meeting of phi- 
losophers would run into, if discussion ran as the spirit 
moved them. 

It was resolved to hold " A Miscellaneous Meet- 
ing." 

Chairman. — While the helm is under my control 
I shall do the best I can, even in a storm. I ask, 
" What is the prime requisite of thrift." 

Lawyer. — Ind ustry . 



96 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Editor. — Intelligence. 

Nephew. — Economy and civility. 

Parson. — Honesty . 

Chairman. — I decide all these to be requisite and 
also perseverance. Any fair business well followed 
for ten years w411 bring good results. But some are 
so changeable that if they spent the winter in paradise 
they would move out in the spring. Merchants, me- 
chanics thrive, who give good articles at moderate 
profits. The farmers who make the best living are 
those who do much of the work themselves, who raise 
large crops of grain, keep plenty of good stock well, 
and do their work well and in the time of it. A large 
crop of corn makes everything plenty. The hogs 
have plenty of lard, the beef plenty, of fat, the fowls 
lay abundance of eggs, which flood the house with 
groceries and make the women folks happy." 

Calls were made for Mr. Galloway, who responded 
thus : 

" If you wish to get rich, you must do as other 
folks do who do get rich." 

At this point the door opened, and in came Major 
Plump and old Dr. Chloral. They apologized for the 
lateness of their arrival. 

The editor said, "Now we are equipped, we shall 
have dignity, military and physic in full supply." 

The lawyer protested against the last remark as 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 97 

sounding like levity and thought it was his duty to 
imitate the good minister, who noticing a flirtation up 
stairs halted in his sermon saying, " I am sorry to say, 
there is too much levity in the gallery." 

The editor made answer, "' Some are very tender 
on fun and susceptible to impropriety." 

A course of modern lectures was to be given in a 
church. The first was largely made up of readings 
by an actress from New York Theatre. A good old 
deacon wiped his eyes at Hood's Bridge of Sighs, but 
added ; " Yery well done, but not quite the thing for 
a church." 

When next the lady clapped her hands in glee 
and exclaimed, 

" I'm to be Queen of tlie May, Mother, 
I'm to be Queen of tlie May," 

the deacon looked sour, but when the poor May Queen 
was dying he said, " God bless the poor child ; but 
not quite the thing for a church." 

Ere long the reader gave the Balcony Scene of 
Romeo and Juliet. Juliet appears at a window. Romeo 
looks up from the garden and tosses kisses to her, 
which almost killed the deacon, who jumped np afoot, 
brought his hands together like a pistol and left the 
pew, exclaiming, "What next? Upon my soul! 
worse and worse ! " 

This added another torch to the bonfire of mirth, 



98 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

which was extinguished by the mallet of the chair- 
man, who announced, " This is a philosophic as well 
as social club. I call on Dr. Paul for a definition of 
philosophy." 

Dr. Paul, — In all ages of the world philosophy 
has been known as the warm love for genuine truth. 
Cicero, who was a king in the domain of thought, used 
these words, " Qui studet omnium rerum philosophi 
wppeletur " — that is, he who studies all things is called 
a philosopher. At the threshold of the goodly Tem- 
ple of Truth we may well bow our heads. We got 
one idea yesterday. "We are perhaps getting only a 
conjecture to-day. By inquiry and perception we 
become wise. We are wonders. Life is a bundle of 
mysteries of which death is the last. If we know but 
little, still it hungers us for more. 

To the good, eternity will be a perpetual feast. 
In ancient times thinking men arranged themselves 
according to their tastes into various Philosophic 
Schools. 

At the Grecian Public Games sprightly men called 
rhapsodists recited the poems of Homer, and made 
comments upon them. Some established schools and 
were called philosophers. 

Prominent among them were, 

1. The Italian school founded by Pythagoras, who 
believed in the transmigration of souls. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 99 

2. The Socratic, founded by Socrates, who in- 
sisted on the excellence of virtue, the immortality of 
the soul and state of reward and punishment. 

3. The Cynic^ founded by Antisthenes, and spread 
by his pupil Diogenes, who condemned all knowledge, 
society, and arts of life. 

4. The Academic, founded by Plato, who dealt 
in ideal forms and mystical accounts of ancient gods, 
and taught that the human squI is a portion of Di- 
vinity. 

5. The Peripatetics, founded by Aristotle, the 
ablest logician of antiquity. This school was made 
up of moving lights, going from town to town, and 
who aimed at perfection in matter and self-develop- 
ment. 

6. The Scejptical, by Pyrrho, who taught univer- 
sal doubt. 

7. The Stoical, founded by Zeno, who made in- 
sensibility a virtue. 

8. The Epicurians, who called pleasure the su- 
preme good. 

9. The most ancient of all, the Ionic, founded by 
Thales, who taught that divinity animates the uni- 
verse, as the soul does the body. 

The influence of these schools spread far and wide 
down the ages, and have many followers even to-day. 
But the blessed light of Christianity has surpassed 



100 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

the glories of a-ncient philosophy, taught humanity not 
only how to live wisely, but to die happily, and has 
held aloft its torch to guide the soul into the land of 
unending bliss. 

The Deity allows some strange events to occur, 
because he does not wish to fetter the will of angels 
or men. Also as war victoriously ended makes glory 
for nations, so evil wisely restrained makes glory for 
God. God allows e\jil but does not enforce it, just 
as he made fire, but does not spread it. 

Milton Eainhow. — All rational creatures receive 
their animation from the life principle of the universe, 
spirit, eternal and divine. This being a philosophic 
club, I ask this question. Why not solve one great 
natural problem thus : that man has had fathers, all 
the way backward forever ? 

Parson. — Which is reasonable that frail man, or 
sovereign God existed forever ? 

Milton Bainlow. — It is most reasonable that God 
was first. 

The Latoyer. — I am an independent thinker but 
devout. Better for all, inside some church than out 
in the cold. 

Editor.— T\\i& is surely a miscellaneous meeting. 
Let us converse on literature. 

The Club rapidly reviewed some of the books that 
will endure with the pyramids, JEsop's Fables, Pil- 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 101 

grim's Progress, Arabian Nights, Yicar of "Wakefield, 
Hobinson Crusoe, Don Quixote, Ivanhoe, etc. 

Modern literature was examined, and the histories, 
travels, poems, and works of fiction that adorn the 
nineteenth century were held np with commendable 
pride. Ere long it became evident that a side dis- 
cussion of considerable spirit was springing np be- 
tween the nephew and lawj-er, as to the compara- 
tive merits of Paradise Lost, and the works of 
Shakespeare. 

Lawyer.-^—Godi made tlie people, Shakespeare 
drew their portraits on his fadeless canvas and hung 
them npon the walls of time so tliat in all coming 
ages humanity might take warning from the bad, 
courage from the good, and refreshment from the 
merry. How just is the remark, " Self-love is not so 
vile a sin as self-neglect." How* deep is tlie plot of 
Hamlet ! How terrible the story of Othello ! What 
delightful confusion in the Wives of Windsor. What 
pictures of avarice, mercy, friendship, in The Mer- 
chant of Yenice. 

Nephew, — Far be it from me to say a word against 
the genius of Shakespeare, but he had only his own. 
John Milton had a different genius, one of bold sub- 
limity. As Dr. Blair admits, whoever opens the 
pages of Paradise Lost finds himself at once in the 
company of wonderful beings, celestial, human and 



102 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

infernal. Heaven, earth and hell contribute not only 
character but scenerjM The blazing throne of the 
Almighty, the appearance of the Messiah and the 
Creation of the world are drawn b}^ a pencil almost 
divine. The ambitious projects of Satan are startling, 
while the war of the angels, and the sight of the 
Fallen Host are gloomy and dreadful. 

As Milton Eainbow resumed his seat Eev. Dr. 
Paul, the village parson, arose and said, " Our friend 
Mr. Galloway has brought to our knowledge a para- 
phrase of this sublime poem, prepared by our worthy 
associate, who has just spoken words forcible and just. 
Will he please read for us his bold effort ? " 

It was done. Profound silence rested upon the 
company, which was broken by these words of the 
clergyman : 

" The magnificent poem of Paradise Lost has been 
the peculiar treasure of people of deep mental culture, 
— this skillful outline will prove a favor to the world. 
Heaven grant that our young friend may lead the 
higher life for which his tastes and talents fit him so 
eminently." 

Then arose Solomon, the chairman, who earnestly 
said : " My nephew, smother not the sacred fire. 
Would to God you saw things as we see them. You 
are born a Prince of the Kingdom. Why live on the 
follies of earth, when the very nectar of heaven is 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 103 

held to your lips ? Kise up, my nephew, and prepare 
for manhood and the Centennial ! " 

Tlie club resumed the subject of literature, and 
soon was heard the call^ " Mr. Galloway, he always 
knows what to say." 

Mr, Galloway. — The world is full of books, some 
good, some bad, and some a continuous twaddle in 
consecutive chapters. Many are sickly, sentimental 
books, full of soft sweet nonsense, others filled with 
blood, thunder, and fury, and the heroes get hung in 
the last chapter instead of the first, which would have 
been better ; some blessed books full of sunshine and 
wisdom. 

To add to the high debate Major Plump woke up 
the eccentric old Dr. Chloral, who looked startled and 
said : " Ah yes, surely, keep your digestion healthy, 
and your credit good, by taking regular doses of my 
Compound Tincture, and let bad books alone." 

Whereupon a wild rascal. Bob Porter, ventured to 
remark, " That smacks of the shop." The old doctor 
caught the words, and looking sharply at the offender, 
repeated, " Smacks of the shop, does it, you young 
vagabond ? If you smacked more of the shop, it 
would be better, for you were put on the market too 
soon. You are a mere shell, totally destitute of parts, 
too ignorant for a schoolmaster, too weak for a black- 
smith, too cowardly for a constable, too dirty for a rag- 



104 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

picker, too lazy for anything but what you are, and 
that's a dunce. 'No more Mr. Impudence, or I'll 
speak to you." 

How unconsciously does one person imitate another, 
for the members of the club followed the doctor and 
advertised their wares as follows : 

Editor Quillsticlc. — Gentlemen, this would be a 
dull world without any news. My Weekly Town 
Press gives universal satisfaction, and at two dollars 
a year, crowns the climax of economy and pleasure. 
There is something to be proud of. (Ojpens out a 
specimen^ 

Coxmselor Lawhlower. — That by which all things 
endure, is law. 

Major Plump. — Gentlemen, where would be our 
defense, without the military ? It cools off an enemy 
to run him through with the bayonet. 

To give force to the remark, the gallant major 
made a thrust at the editor with his cane, which ran 
between his' arm and body. 

Milton Bainbow. — 

Much tliat you speak of touches earth, 

But there is something blooms beyond the clouds ; 

Refreshes man's weak spirit ; and doth hang 

A fadeless garland on the brow of love, 

God's dowered daughter — Poetry. 

Bev, Dr, Paul. — Quite true, my brother, and 
well said. 



A PICTURE OE LIFE. 105 

'Tis fancy maizes us liappy while we live, 
Keligion wealthy when we're dead. 

The Chairman, Sol. Rahibow, — 

Our farming class includes you all 
As soldiers we serve on the staff of life, 
Apply the cultured lotion to sick soils, 
And publish two editions of our works, 
One in early, one in later harvest, 
And find in them both poetry and prose, 
Mindful of law, in ministry of faith, 
We sow ; in hope of resurrection. 

At this point in the proceedings Editor Quillstick 
arose, and with that suavity and dignity which so har- 
moniously blended in the gallant journalist, remarked : 

" Mr. Chairman. — This is a Miscellaneous Meeting 
and therefore allow me to say, that there looms up in 
future a subject of prodigious proportions — Woman's 
Rights. I have long been aid de cam/p^ body guard, 
and head servant to her Majesty, my wife, and she 
says man will soon be a mere speck in the horizon, and 
woman become the horizon itself. Let us hear from 
Major Plump. 

The Major. — My name is Plump — Major Plump. 
I have been in the military from my youth up, for my 
father was a captain, and my mother more than a 
captain. As to army and navy, forces and sieges and 
rights of war, I am familiar; but as to Woman's 
Rights, as ignorant as a cartridge box. 
{Calls for Dr. Chloral.) 



106 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

The Doctor. — For a patient dangerously down 
with the dumps, I prescribe regular doses of Rainbow 
Club on a full stomach. Melodious merriment is 
salubrious. Whoever invents a remedy like my Com- 
pound Tincture of Paregoric and Liveforever or makes 
a telegraph pudding like Madame Jemima, deserves a 
higher monument, and larger at the bottom, than he 
who discovers a planet. The power of concentration 
is what we want in men or women. The other day 
I was called in consultation with four other doctors 
over a man with a swelled face. The whole four said 
it must be poulticed. I said No^ it needs to be lanced 
and it shall be lanced, and before they could stop me 
I had the man cut to the bone. Yes, to the very 
bone, sir! {Cries of '''did lie get welV) No. The 
poor man died ; but then he would have died 
anyway. 

Amid laughter, the Doctor closed his rambling 
discourse. 

Milton Raitibow, — In my opinion woman is al- 
most perfect. All that is still needed, is that some 
way be found to make her bonnets last forever. 

Laioyer. — A bonnet never does wear out ; it is the 
fashion that does. 

Aunt Jemima, who usually wore a modest attire, 
had signalized the evening by a stylish new cap, a 
work of art, the gift of admiring friends. The ladies 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 107 

urged her to speak, and the head-dress giving courage 
she walked toward the table when the nephew an- 
nounced, 

Men, stand aside, great things will now be done, 
Here comes a woman with her night-cap on. 

Jemima. — Massie sakes alive! Hear the fellow 
talk! This is no night-cap for women, but an even- 
ing cap for ladies. It is enough to give anyone the 
hysterics to see men making fools of themselves abus- 
ing the women. Here is Milton Eainbow, very 
hoighty-toighty, and he don't know anything more 
about Woman's Eights than a potato-bug. And here 
is Lawblower. I've seen him walking to church, strut- 
ting along and every minute looking about to see if 
his coat-tails were swinging just right, and saying no 
doubt to himself, " Here is style for you, look . at me 
and my wife and my daughter, Hydrangia." 

Amid general applause Jemima walked back, while 
her laces and ribbons actually trembled. 

The men in despair called on their Hercules, who 
said, 

Mr. Galloway, — By old Caesar, it is rich, but it 
only confirms what my grandfather used to say, 
" Give me an old man for wisdom, and an old woman 
for grit.'' 

The chairman proclaimed the track free to all 
comers. 



108 a pictuke of life. 

Bob Porter's Great Speech on "Woman's Rights 
m Rainbow Club. 

Mr, Speaker. — I always pay attention when the 
ladies speak. My mother could do more with me by 
just saying **Bob*' than by all the thrashings I ever 
got. I love good philosophy, but there is as much 
difference between poor and good as between cold 
weak tea and chocolate cream. 

I say, let the women have their rights, moral and 
religious, matrimonial and political. I believe one of 
Woman's Rights is to have a good honest husband. 
When I get married I will put some good woman in 
full possession of as kind a husband as ever Huttered. 

Mr. Speaker, What is matrimony % In my opin- 
ion, it is an institution under which the privilege of 
nursing the baby is considered a sufficient compensa- 
tion for mending the clothes of its father. Whether 
this pays or not, depends on what sort of a father it 
has. If it be anything like myself or other gentle- 
men present, why the pay would be liberal, but if like 
some I know of, it would be a losing business for the 
woman and no credit to the baby. 

Civilization has done wonders for woman. It has 
raised her up on high-heeled shoes, and given her 
hopes, hoops, and a bustle. 

If a woman wants fo go visiting, she'll go, and all 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 109 

creation cannot stop her. If she wants to stay liome, 
all creation cannot make her go visiting. And when 
tlie majority of them wish to vote and be constable, 
they will vote and be constable, ordinary men to the 
contrary notwithstanding. 

How much longer Bob would have continued is 
not known. Fortunately, he stooped to take a 
mouthful of water, when the lawyer moved him a 
vote of thanks, which was unanimously carried ; and 
before the promising youth knew it, he was off his 
feet. 

On motion this official announcement was made. 
Whereas, inasmuch, nevertheless. 

Resolved^ That if heaven had intended women to 
be men, they would have been made men in the be- 
ginning. 

Resolved. That since women make such good 
housekeeepers, mothers and wives, it is folly to make 
politicians of them. 

When quiet was restored and adjournment pro- 
posed. Aunt Jemima said in her peculiar way, " You 
men are good enough at talking, but when it comes 
to the necessaries of life, you must look up to provi- 
dence and the women." So saying she opened the 
door, and at once in came servants, wdth white aprons 
on, bearing plates of sandwiches, cake, coffee, and 
ice-cream. 



110 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

Milton Kainbow exchanged eloquent glances with 
the parson's adopted daughter, (whose history we have 
given) Gypsy Jennie. 

Dr, Paul, — I give a sentiment. "May our 
worthy chairman, and his worthy wife never be with- 
out good cofFee, and never be without good friends to 
help them drink it. Then the miscellaneous meeting 
of the Rainbow Club merrily adjourned. 



CHAPTER XVI 

NOT long after the scenes we have just described, a 
special meeting of the club took place. The 
chairman, editor, and lawyer were the only ones present. 
With these quietly seated, the lawyer made this start- 
ling announcement, " Gentlemen, of course you notice 
the absence of our brother, for whose benefit this club 
was founded. As you all well know, his father, John 
Rainbow, Esq., has for the last few weeks been un- 
usually feeble. His physicians say that he must soon 
die. His son is constantly at his side. Gentlemen, 
I have a secret to tell, that concerns us most inti- 
mately. On condition of secrecy, I will read it." 

All vowed silence. 

Lawyer. — You are aware that John's wife is 
dead, and that Milton is his only child. But still 
farther, John owns the valuable farm on which he 
lives, but I assure you, gentlemen, that he has twenty- 
five thousand dollars in money. At his request, I 
have written his last will and testament, in which I 
am named as sole executor. But still further, in this 
will that he has made, he gives this splendid farm 
and all upon it to his son Milton, to be his, his heirs 



112 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

and assigns forever. But still further, in this will 
John divides the interest of the twenty-five thousand 
dollars among the members of the Rainbow Club." 

"Can it be possible," said the worthy chairman. 
"Heaven be praised," ejaculated the devout Quill- 
stick. 

In his excitement, the editor started for the door, 
saying : " Let us at once go and thank the generous 
old man." 

But the lawyer met him with these terrible words, 
" Quillstick, if you speak a syllable to old Rainbow, or 
young Rainbow, or to any living soul concerning this 
business, I swear by all the saints in the calendar, I 
will kill you dead as a tombstone." 

The terrible manner of the lawyer sobered the 
editor, who apologized for his unseemly haste, and the 
three repledged fidelity and secrecy, and then ad- 
journed. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The Death, Burial and Will of John Eainbow, 

WITH SOME EeSULTS THEREOF. 

AS we have intimated, the elder Rainbow was 
drawing near to the close of his long, honorable 
and devout life. He was under the impression that 
his sen was a young man destined to usefulness, if well 
guided, but might become a light-headed spendthrift 
if his property were all left free. 

We may also mention that the son knew not his 
father's wealth. He knew of the homestead and five 
thousand dollars. But the father many years before, 
had privately made some investments, which were 
very profitable, and now amounted to twenty thousand 
dollars. Guided by extreme caution, he concluded to 
leave the farm to the son, and the money to the club ; 
knowing that his son would thereby receive all he 
expected and be also guarded, until age should bring 
experience, experience wisdom, and wisdom bring 
sobriety. 

Notwithstanding filial nurture, and medical care 
skilfully given by one whose family had given name 



114 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

to a town in Orange Conntj, the worn-out body gave 
way, and tlie father's eyes closed in death. 

The Eev. Dr. Paul preached a suitable funeral 
sermon. He counselled his hearers, 

" Nor love thy life, nor liate, but wliat tliou livest 
Live well, how long or sliort permit to heaven." 

Pointing to the coffin, the minister said, "After 
death's sullen consummation he sleeps well. Beautiful 
even in his old age, he is now silent and cold. We 
are of a two-fold nature, physical, the house we live 
in, spiritual, what governs the house. In the case of 
our aged friend, his lease having expired, the tenant 
has departed, and the house has fallen into ruins. But 
the timbers shall be preserved, and the building be 
raised again, remodeled, beautiful, eternal, 

When the long Sabbath of the tomb be past." 

The mourners were not few, for sympathy draws 
many to where sorrow rules. The Eainbow Club 
walked after the casket. The bells sadly tolled, as the 
procession slowly made its way through the main vil- 
lage street toward the quiet city of the dead. Across 
the AVallkill could be plainly seen another home of 
departed, where lies all that could die of the Dutch 
settlers of the Wallkill Yalley. A little farther on, 
under the shadow of the hills, was still a third hamlet 
of those at rest ; in which a marble column truthfully 



A PICTURE OF LIFE.. 115 

speaks of one of later fame, as " a wise counsellor, a 
good man, and a just." 

On the return of the club from the burial, Milton 
Kainbow invited the members to dine at his house. 
The lawyer thus expressed himself: " Friend Milton, 
how much property think you, did your father leave ? " 

The son made answer, " Five thousand and this 
homestead." 

Lawyer. — If you get five thousand dollars and this 
homestead, you will give any other property to the 
club, will you not? 

Rainbow. — Yes, gladly, gentlemen, and T wish you 
all to look upon this place as your home, as well as 
mine. I w^ill divide my last loaf and last dollar with 
the Rainbow Club. 

Lawyer. — My generous friend, I have in my 
possession your father's last will, in which the plan 
you speak of has been acted on. 

"Can it be possible!" cried the company; "read 
it, read it." 

THE WILL. 

I, John Rainbow, of the town of Montgomery, County of 
Orange, and State of New York, being of sound and disposing 
mind and memory, do on this 13th day of April, in the year 
1874, make, publish and declare this my last will and testament, 
hereby revoking all former wills by me made. 

I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved and only son, 
Milton Rainbow, to him, his heirs and assigns forever, my 



116 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

homestead farm and utensils, stock and appurtenances thereto 
belonging, containing one hundred acres, more or less. 

Having ihus made him sole owner of his home, I request 
him to honor my memory, and profit himself by heeding these 
three items of counsel, to wit : 

1. Do your work well, and do it in the time of it. 

2. In summer provide for winter, in life prepare for death. 

3. My son, if you think of anything unusually sharp, don't 
say it, but if you think of something uncommonly good or dis- 
creet, do it. 

I also give unto my said son Milton, the interest of five 
thousand dollars. 

I also give unto my good brother Solomon the interest of 
five thousand dollars. 

I give unto my friend and pastor, Rev. Dr. Paul, the in- 
terest of five thousand dollars. 

I give unto my friend and attorney, D. W. Lawblower, the 
interest of five thousand dollars. 

I give unto my friend, H. G. Quillstick, the interest of five 
thousand dollars. 

I command my executor to keep the sum of twenty-five 
thousand dollars (now deposited, subject to his draft, in the 
Newburgh Savings Bank) invested in government bonds or on 
real estate, the proceeds of which he is to joay semi-annually 
to the persons above named. 

It is my wish that they continue to constitute the Rainbow 
Club. It is my will, that when a vacancy occurs in said club 
by death, that such share as belonged to the person dying, 
shall be equally divided between the survivors, in addition to 
what they previously had, and so on until there be but one 
member left, and to such last survivor I give the said principal 
sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, but only in case my said 
son should already have died, leaving no wife or legal issue. 
Should my said son leave any surviving wife or legal issue, it 
is my will that they should receive my son's semi-annual divi- 
dend. If at the death of the last surviving member of the said 
club, a wife or any legal issue of my said son should survive, 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 117 

it is my will that to them shall go absolutely, jointly and 
equally the said twenty-five thousand dollars. 

I direct my executor to pay all my just debts promptly. 

I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Daniel W. Law- 
blower to be executor of tliis will, whom I request to confer 
with my son in all matters pertaining to my estate. 

To all of which I sign my name, 

John Kainbow. 
Witnessed by, 

J. Jones, H. Brown. 

The proceeds were deposited (subject to draft) in 
Goshen, Newbnrgh, Walden and Middletown, as these 
banks are managed by those liaving mind, manners 
and mone}^, as the writer well knows. 

The son was happy, and begged his brothers to 
aid him in fulfilling the hopes of his parents. The 
Club prospered on the thousand dollars that every 
half year came into its treasury. 

At its expense the old mansion was modernized ; 
and the grounds and outbuildings wisely adorned. A 
veranda sustained honeysuckles, sweet columbines, 
while Virginia creepers and wisteria- ascended to the 
roof. The parlor was made to resemble that of Sir 
Walter Scott's, of Abbotsford. It became head- 
quarters. Over its entrance was this motto from the 
father's will. 

" In summer provide for winter. 
In life prepare for death." 

The prosperity of the club elevated it in public 



118 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

esteem. The office of the Town Press was enlarged, 
and editorials were taken as genuine gospel, while the 
lawyer hinted at Congress. The village parson, Dr. 
Paul, gave his dividend to his adopted Jennie. The 
club cherished the memory of their benefactor, and 
his portrait adorned the club room, over the chair. 

The poor were not forgotten, whether Protestant 
or Catholic or Hebrew. By aid. of citizens, reading- 
room, library and lectures were sustained. Trees 
were planted on the highways, prizes given in the 
schools, and generous dinners given so as to elevate 
the thought, and cheer the heart. 



CHAPTEH XVIII. 

"TTXE propose to make an advance of nearly a year 
^^ in our Kstor j. Have we not had a busy season 
in tliis 1874? We have told you of the organization 
of the club in the welcome month of May. We have 
recorded their travels and adventures during the 
summer. We have reported their debates in full ses- 
sion, and recited the scenes of the death and burial 
of the father, and detailed his generous legacy. The 
romantic history of Jennie has been portrayed, and 
the secret divulged that Milton the sou, was falling 
in love. We are now at the beginning of winter, and 
what shall we do about it ? You say, " Suppose we 
jump over it?" Agreed, with all my heart. Now 
we have done so. 

But the young people went through the winter, 
not over it. They attended the singing schools, and 
social parties. They had their sleigh-rides, during 
which the moonbeams played coquette with the 
lovers, and the lovers with each other. They had 
their festivals, and w^ent out to lectures and enter- 
tainments. Parties journeyed to the cities, to attend 
the opera, while others sported in the social gathering 



130 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

playing "hunt the slipper," "going to Boston," and 
jolly " Copenhagen." Besides, the serious services of 
worship were not neglected. 

Early in the spring of 1875 the club convened. 
The son had truly mourned for his father, but time 
dulls sorrow, and 'tis best. The natural gayety of 
his disposition remained, but it was more elevated 
and refined. 

Chairman. — Gentlemen, I welcome your presence 
here to-night. Winter, with its comforts and discom- 
forts, has retreated, leaving joyous spring in full pos- 
session of the field. My dear nephew seems gath- 
ering strength for the battle of life. He has enjoyed 
the bright example and priceless counsel of his father 
and mother, of whom remains precious memory. My 
nephew, pray be attentive while we hold up before 
you still again, the noble characters of our National 
History, ]^ext year is the Centennial. Your wel- 
fare is constantly before us. Remember Franklin, 
the Patriot Philosopher. 

Major Phiwp. — Let me speak for John Adams, 
and Thomas Jefferson. I also commend the courage 
of old Putnam. 

Mr. Galloway. — Don't neglect Marion and his 
men, E-ichard Henry Lee, Charles Carroll of Carrol- 
ton, and Patrick Henry. Imitate the heroes, and be 
fully prepared to go to the Centennial Exhibition 



A PICTURE OF LIFE, 121 

next summer, and shake hands with all Africans one 
hundred years old and over, who held "Washington's 
horse, and ran for the doctor when there was sickness 
in the family. 

Bainbow, — There is sickness in my family, I am 
sick. I have a deep-seated and mysterious malady, 
that has not reached its height. 

Chairinan, — Nephew, you pain me thus to speak. 
Are you in sport ? 

Hainhow. — No, never in deeper earnest. 

Chairman, — Good Doctor Chloral, prescribe, lest 
worse he grow. 

Doctor. — I see no buff upon his tongue from 
fever, but I detect within his eye, fear of rebuff from 
a maiden. 

Chairman. — Keep us no longer in suspense. Tell 
us what is wrong with hira. 

Doctor^ snuffing. — "Wrong? Nothing is wrong. 
The poor fellow is in love. 

Major Plumjp. — He should tell his trouble. It is 
my opinion plump. 

Rainbow. — If love be trouble, I'm in trouble. 
Heaven knows I am in love. Yes, I'm on fire, and 
all the w^aters on the globe cannot put me out. Every 
fibre of my being calls for the maiden I must have 
or die. 

{Cries of " name A<ff> name herP) 



122 A PICTUEE OF LIFE, 

Bainlow. — The graces call her Sister, mortals, 
Gypsy Jennie. 

Doctor.^ — It pays to get a wife worth caring for. 
I prescribe you pop the question. 

Rainbow. — Alas ! how can I till I'm taught. 
{Cries for " Mr. Galloway^ he always Icnows 
what to say.") 

Mr. Galloivay. — JSTo teaching required. It is a 
natural gift. The marriage question is like com on a 
stove. When it gets hot enough, the question pops 
itself. 

Mq^or Plump. — Are you really anxious to wed 
Jennie, adopted daughter of the village parson? 
Why not take Miss Gabriella Gold-dust, who has 
seven maiden aunts, all rich ; and a grandmother 
with twenty thousand, and the phthisic, all of which 
you'll get. 

Rainbow. — Kever, even if every hair of her head 
hung with jewels. Give me the girl of my choice. 
To-morrow, I send the final challenge. 

Mr. Galloway. — It is my advice, to avoid all 
challenge, much better to fall upon your knees, and 
beg for mercy. 

Rainbow. — Rashly she may throw herself away to 
a fellow from the west. 

Mr. Galloway. — Be watchful. When she throws 
herself away, catch her in your arms. 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 123 

Chairman. — E'ephew, forget not thy manhood. 
Eemember this blazing noon of the nineteenth cen- 
tury. More I cannot say, save this, remember thou 
art immortal. 

Rainbow. — There is a better life. Help me, good 
friends, to find it. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Scene, — ^A Room at Clover Hill Parsonage. 

(Enter Jennie^ 
'TTT'ELL, well, well, what a strange life I lead ! 
' ' Oh mv dear, but unknown mother, art thou 
living or dead ? And raj father, I must have had a 
father, but who ? Oh that I had a brother to give me 
counsel. How I would lean upon his shoulder, look 
in his face, and love him. Will I ever know why my 
mother left me at Farmer Grey's ? I would not pry 
into the book of fate. Have patience, oh my soul, 
perhaps the leaves may of themselves open most gra- 
ciously. Do I love this cheerful, witty Rainbow? 
Yes I do. His very oddities are pleasant, while to 
his manly gallantry my heart doth make obeisance. 
Yes, I love him. Does he love me ? He says he does. 
'Tis hard to think one's lover is a liar. 

{A hioch is heard at the door,) 

Jennie. — All things make me tremble; what now 
I wonder! {Opens the door.) 

Servant. — There is a colored boy without, whc 
bears a letter for thy hands alone. 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 125 

Jennie. — Bid him come in. 

(Enter Pompey Ccesar.) 

Boy. — Miss Jennie, de gentleman who sent dis 
letter, am weriy anxious. I heen acquainted wid 
him fust an last, more dan considerable. He is first 
quality of No. One. He gub me a gineine dollar to 
do dis business correct. Dars de letter, good-bye to 
your ladyship. {Boy retires — Jennie reads.) 

'■^ My Precious Darling. — This very night, at eight o'clock, 
I shall beseech you to bid me live, by saying yes ; or sign my 
death warrant by a fatal No. Till then in hope, but hopeful 
or despairing, Ever yours, 

Milton Rainbow." 

Jennie. — Comes now, sweet summer laughing o'er 
the hills, or hideous winter with its sullen train ? Say 
I yes, what be I then ? S.ay I no, what be I now ! 
These hours are brief. I'll weigh this question in the 
scales of counsel and of prayer. {Exit Jennie.) 

Our readers will see at a glance, that we are treat- 
ing of delicate affairs. The sacred surroundings of 
courtship are usually like some gentleman's park, or- 
namented with the placard, " No trespassing allowed 
here." 

But as it is to be presumed, some natural curiosity 
may exist as to how these romantic lovers revealed 
their sentiments, we will disclose what we know. But 
before doing so, we will say, that after reading her 



126 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

suitor's message, like a prudent daughter, Jennie told 
her adopted parents. Dr. Paul and wife. 

"We will just here record our opinion, that among 
all the difficult positions in this world, there are few 
more difficult to be filled acceptably, than that of a 
clergjmian's wife. 

Though not expected to preach ; if she attend 
some meeting on Monday ; go to Bible class on Tues- 
day ; the church lecture Wednesday ; the sewing-cir- 
cle Thursday ; prepare for festival for Friday ; lead 
female prayer-meeting Saturday ; teach colored infant 
class Sunday ; why she is a martyr, and speedily van- 
ishes. But if she heed her own home, she is thought 
exclusive. 

Mrs. Paul was of this latter class. She shared the 
parish work with the other ladies, but said she mar- 
ried her husband, and not the entire congregation. 
Being decided and wise her advice was precious. 

Mrs. Paul surveyed Rainbow's proposal with a 
woman's eye, and smiled. 

It is now eight o'clock in the evening. Jennie 
enters the parlor of Clover Hill parsonage. She ar- 
ranges the furniture, sets flowers on the mantel, 
smooths her attire and waits. 

Hark ! a loud rap is at the door. 

Jennie, — My, my. Lord Eainbow is urgent to- 
night. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 127 

Jennie opens the door, Eainbow enters and taking 
her by the hand says, " Ah, my pretty page, I owe yon 
one." {Kisses her) 

While this was transpiring, the parson, Eev. Dr. 
Panl, stepped forward and said, " Why, Mr. Kainbow, 
what are you and my daughter doing ? " 

Milton replied," We are living according to St. Paul, 
where he says, * Greet one another with a holy kiss.' " 

Dr. Paid. — I fear it was none of Paul's kisses ; 
but one of your own getting up. But Pll not in- 
trude. {Exit Minister.) 

Having entered the parlor, a few moments were 
spent in converse on the topics of the day, such as 
views of present, and surmises of future weather, 
club, parish and village news, which are wondrous 
factors in problems of conversation. 

Ere long Milton Rainbow made bold to speak. 

Rainbow. — Jennie, my darling, suspense is pain- 
ful. You've had another week. Your father, mother, 
heaven itself have been on the jury, what is the ver- 
dict % Will you marry me % 

Jennie. — Be seated, sir. I cannot answer your 
seemly question in unseemly haste. Marriage, 'tis 
well to ponder well. 

Rainbow. — You are so wise, you must be all phi- 
losophers in one. I'm a lover now. Will you marry 
me, — or — no ? 



12S A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

Jennie. — Are yon quite certain my nncertain 
birth will not make winter of me to thy tonch, when 
love's first June is over? for I was dropped from 
fate's bundle at a farmer's door. 

Bairibow. — Yes, I am certain. Some I admire, 
but you I love. Many are good, but you are best. 
If need be I will swear. 

Jennie. — It is not good to swear. I'll take thy 
word. 

Bainhow. — And I'll take thine, will you be my 
wife? 

Jennie. — YeSj I will. 

Bainhow. — 

Then the night is oyer, and the day is come. 

As help to keep my vows, I ask 

From oflf the manna of thy lips. 

One slight repast. {He kisses her.) 

Folly, farewell ; I'll solve life's problem nobly as I can. 

And strive henceforth to be a man. 



CHAPTEH XX. 

Wedding of Kainbow and Jennie. 

rr^IME, which brings all things on, soon brought 
-■- the appointed wedding. Kever did a fairer 
morning ripen into a brighter day. Jennie slept the 
sleep of the angels all night, and not until the fairy 
fingers of morning had been sometime tugging at her 
eye-lids, did she come back from dreamland to be 
married. Ah, what a host of hopes and fears arise on 
one's wedding day ! The young man proudly resols'es 
to be true, but what does the maiden think? 

Alas ! alas 1 that ever man, 

Should woman's trust betray, 
Love saved his life by saying yes, 

When fear would answer, nay. 

The committee was early on the ground, making 
needful preparations. The beautiful grassy knoll 
north of the Rainbow mansion, was swept clean and 
soft as a Brussels carpet. About ten o'clock the peo- 
ple began to gather, in accordance with the following 
notice published in the Town Press: 

The Wedding Ceremony of Milton Rainbow and Jennie, 
will take place at Noon, on the 20th day of May, 1875, in the 

6* 



130 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

open air, at the Rainbow Mansion. All who wish them well, 
are invited to be present. 

By order of the Bairibow Club, 

By eleven o'clock the adjoining orchard was well 
filled. By the time the great clock in the heavens 
marked noon, the company seemed an army, listening 
to the steam voice waking the echoes of the Wallkill 
Valley. The view from the spot is charming. Tow- 
ering mountain, winding river, nestling village, 
smoking cottage, fairy nook, all cast their tribute into 
the treasury of tliis magnificent prospect. 

A sound of music was heard, and then six beauti- 
ful girls, arrayed in white, and singing sweetly, issued 
from the house, and after a short walk, stood upon the 
lawn on the summit of the hill. Then six young 
men leftjthe house, walked forward, and each took a 
girl by each hand, and formed a ring. 

Then Rev. Dr. Paul came on, followed by Kain- 
bow and Jennie. They walk to the summit, the ring 
opens, and over the hushed multitude ris^s the voice 
of prayer. The parties join hands, and in the sun- 
light, in presence of God, angels, and men, Rainbow 
and Jennie are wedded. 

At a given signal, the famous old field piece called 
the Bison, was fired from a neighboring hill. Then 
the village bells rang out, while the people cheered. 
The ring around the bride and groom breaks into 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 131 

fragments, singing and dancing. The groom kisses 
his bride, the young people, God bless them, kiss 
one another, and the cup of joy is full. 

But quickly the scene is changed. On the green 
grass, covers are spread for a rural picnic. From 
innumerable baskets are taken the materials for a feast. 
The children store away a marvelous amount of food in 
their miraculous little stomachs. The afternoon hours 
glided away in varied diversion. The day was fading 
ere the last of the company wished long life and hap- 
piness to Rainbow and his bride. Lawblower, as 
Attorney General to the club, said the marriage con- 
tract was equally binding on both sides. Quillstick 
promised to embalm the day in one of his ablest edi- 
torials, while Mr Galloway, who always capped the 
climax, " hoped that the sky of their futurity might 
be spangled by an indefinite number of little Eain- 
bows." 



CHAPTER XXI 

T"N the dim light of the stars a dark complexioned 
-*- man is urging a clergyman to follow him. 

They advance but a few steps at a time, then stop, 
engage in earnest conversation, and move on. The 
minister halts. 

Gypsy. — Halt not, thou man of God. The case is 
urgent. The old woman cannot die till she has re- 
vealed some dreadful secret of her life. 

The minister advances a little space, then halts 
again. 

Gypsy. — Did I not say halt not? I swore to 
bring you, and I will. 

The gypsy takes minister roughly by the shoulder. 

Minister. — Force me not. I have strong muscles 
and hot blood like thee. 

Gypsy. — What hast thou then to fear ? 

Minister. — I fear treachery, darkness and death. 

Gypsy. — There is no thought of treachery. As 
for darkness, let this glittering dagger give thee light. 
{draws a dirk) And as for death, by all my father's 
gods I swear, this thirsty steel shall drink thy blood, 
if ye but halt again. 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 13^ 

Minister, — Heaven guide me in this solemn hour. 
Thou ^* hast me on the hip," I'll go. 

After the May wedding, the parties took possession 
of Rainbow mansion. The groom at once struck a 
dramatic attitude and said, 

" Byron hath nobly sung — almost 

* Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll, 
Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain, 
Man marks the earth with ruin, his control 
Stops with the door ; inside doth woman reign.' " 

The Bride. — Sir, your doctrine is orthodox, may 
your conduct exemplify it. I too have heard wild 
Byron sing, 

" Man's love is of man's life a thing apart, 
'Tis woman's whole existence. Man may range 
The court, camp, church, the vessel and the mart. 
Men have all these resources — woman one, 
To love again, and be again undone." 

The married life so happily begun, was happily 
continued. The bride bore her honors with gentle 
dignity, making her home a heaven. Near the mid- 
dle of the honey-moon, Lawblower made this inquiry, 
"Brother Milton, what think you of the married 
life?" 

The happy groom responded, " It is the only life, 
others are ways of not living." 

Uncle Solomon, with a merry twinkle in his eye, 
warned him against becoming too happy, and added, 
4* 



134 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

" Kephew, this is a changeable world, and we have 
all got to die." 

The nephew replied, "Uncle, that is true, we 
should prepare for death, but if Aunt Jemima should 
drop off, you might look around for another woman 
instead of dying." 

At this moment. Jennie the bride coming in, wel- 
comed the friends, then turning to the groom, while 
a smile lit up her face, said, "And what doth my lord, 
my husband, wish of his wife." 

" Bravo," said the editor, while the lawyer sighed. 

Jennie was pleased shortly to add, " Gentlemen, 
walk in to dinner, where you shall have something as 
acceptable as compliments and more satisfactory. At 
the table, it was decided that the newly-married cou- 
ple should proceed at once upon their wedding trip. 

They were ingeniously proclaimed too young to 
venture out alone, and Quillstick and Lawblower were 
detailed as guard. 

Whereupon the chairman, Solomon Rainbow, 
Esq., with a gallantry that adorned his sex, volun- 
teered to cherish the widows and children during 
their absence. 



A' 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Rainbow and Jennie on their Wedding Trip. — 
Mutual Discovery of Brother and Sister. 

S the golden gates of day, " opened at tonch of 
dawn," the sun rose unextinguished from his 
ocean bed, and smiled upon the Rainbow Club, the 
members of which had assembled just in time to bid 
the sun and one another a cheery good morning. 

In two hours more, (as swift-winged as a pair of 
carrier doves) Rainbow and Jennie, Quillstick and 
Lawblower, stepped from the Montgomery platform 
to the cars, which hastened to New York, where, in 
varied diversion the day w^as lost. 

When Night lay down to sleep, and Morn rose up 
to play, the club decided to visit that lovely arena, 
where Nature and Art vie in friendly strife, the boast 
of New York, the gem of America, Central Park. 
The travelers began the day unconscious of the thrill- 
ing scenes to be witnessed ere it should rest. 

Having entered a carriage, the friends were driven 
rapidly northward through the broad avenues to the 
entrance gate of the Park. Ah ! but here are sights 



136 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

worth crossing an ocean to see. Broad, level driving- 
ways, hedged in by marvellous shrubs and smooth 
foot-paths fringed with flowers. 

Here splendid coaches are rolling, yonder gay cour- 
tiers and ladies are whirling like fairy figures on 
steeds that are proudly prancing. The carriage con- 
taining our travelers, sweeps past the sweet Lake of 
Yenice, where gondolas are playing, and past the 
charming Eamble. Now Prospect Hill is reached, and 
Quillstick's telescopic eye sweeps round the circle, 
gathering up those images destined to adorn some 
able editorial in a future number of the Town Press. 
The Commissioners of the Park had lately put upon 
its list of wonders, a miniature establishment, called 
" The Old Times Cottage," with its full quota of neat 
little farm buildings, and a well of water, with its old- 
fashioned bucket and sweep. 

At this well, the carriage containing the Rainbow 
Club had now stopped. Milton at once gets out, 
and having given to Jennie and the friends, and the 
driver a cooling drink, he stands with his hat in one 
hand, and a cup of water in the other. 

Just at this moment, another carriage, a magnifi- 
cent one, slowly comes up to the spot where Milton is 
standing. At once he had one of his revelations and 
loudly calls, "i?<?, every one that thirsteth, stop and 
drink." At the sound of the word " Ho," the horses 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 137 

stopped, and the persons inside the carriage qnickly 
looked out. The incident was so unique in its char- 
acter and effect, that the gentleman within, with 
much good humor, directed the driver to halt a 
moment longer. 

In this carriage were two persons besides the 
driver. One was a young gentleman about twenty- 
two years old, and a young lady hardly as much as 
twenty. They were both richly dressed, especially 
the lady, who wore over her head a bridal vail. 

Milton, with all that headlong assurance so natural 
to hot-blooded Americans, addressed the strangers as 
follows : " Friends, you see before you a portion of 
the Eainbow Club. As for myself, I am Eainbow of 
Orange, all the year round. I was about to drink to 
the health of Jennie, my bride." 

The young man in the carriage exclaims, " Halt, 
my worthy friend, till I come near you, and while 
you drink to the health of your bride, I will drink to 
mine." The two young men touch glasses and drink, 
while the brides w^ave their handkerchiefs, and bow 
to each other, and the bystanders cheer. 

jRainhow to the stranger. — Sir, I told you my 
name, please tell me yours. 

Stranger, — My name is Eobert , of ITew York. 

My father is a merchant of the world. 

Rainbow. — I hear your words with sorrow, for as 



138 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

we touched our glasses, I caught an expression in your 
face that sent an electric thrill to my linger tips, and I 
thought if my wife has a brother in the world, you 
are that brother. But as you belong to a wealthy 
family, while my wife (though all the world to me) 
was born a gypsy, it is impossible. 

Robert. — Kot impossible as you think, for I am 
only an adopted son. You married a gypsy girl, my 
wife married a gypsy boy. 

Here Jennie, who had been listening with rapt at- 
tention, suddenly turned pale, and was saved from 
fainting by a glass of water. 

The group stood around, and glanced from one to 
another, and whispered, " they seem of kin, for they 
have similar eyes, features, voice and figure." 

Milton was the next to speak, and in tones tremu- 
lous with emotion inquired of the stranger if he 
could give any account of his early life. 

Robert made answer, " I was left by my parents in 
the New York Home for Friendless. They stated to 
the authorities, so I have since learned, that though 
born in a gypsy camp, I am not of gypsy blood. 
Whether my parents are still living I know not, but 
I have heard they called once at the Home after I 
had left it, and spoke of a little daughter they had 
left at a farmer's house." Here Jennie became over- 
powered and gradually sank to the ground. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 139 

Her husband sprang forward to catch her, ex- 
claiming, " Help, help, she is fainting, she is dying." 
Then looking on her pallid face he cried out in agony, 
" Oh, my God, she is dead." 

Kobert's wife, named Alice, then sprang from the 
carriage and sprinkled water on Jennie's face, and 
gave her a breath from one of those reviving little 
bottles that prudent ladies always carry with them. 

Soon she revived enough to say, " Oh, my husband." 

Rainbow. — My darling, come back to me and life. 

Robert. — My friend, perhaps my sister, open your 
eyes on me. 

Jennie, — Brother, there is my hand. 

Rainbow. — Give him your heart as well. 

Jennie. — How can I, husband ! thou hast that. 
But why did ye wake me quite so soon. I had a 
vision. "Was it my mother ? And, oh kind heaven, 
that I might have seen her face ! 

{Suddenly Jennie swoons again ^ 

Rainbow. — Help, help, she's gone again. 

Alice. — Fall back, oh friends, and let her rest. 
Body and soul will wake refreshed. 

Jennie quickly revives and says, " Thank God, I'm 
back to stay. All doubt is gone. You are my brother." 

Robert. — Kind friends, come home with me. My 
father's princely heart and mother's queenly smile will 
bid you welcome, and their house shall blaze with joy. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

STRAKGE indeed, were the feelings of Eainbow 
and Jennie as they entered the royal dwelling 
of the world's greatest merchant. 

This gentleman through a long life of unparalleled 
devotion to business, had been retiring in his manner 
and choice in his friendships. But he was at once 
drawn to Jennie. His keen eye that had long been 
drilled to inspect the texture of silks and velvets, to 
notice similar shades of color, and fix the true stand- 
ard of value, is now directed to scan the figure and 
soul of this bright and pleasant bride, and compare 
them with those of his adopted son. He pronounced 
them brother and sister. 

Strange had been the opening buds of their fate, 
but the blossoms are beautiful and we hope the fruit 
will be pleasant. 

First we had Jennie in the gypsy camp, an infant* 
Secondly, we had Jennie in the house of Farmer Grey, 
a child. Thirdly, we had her at Clover Hill parson- 
age, a maiden. Fourthly, we see her in the highest 
circles, a bride. Will she become dizzy with eleva- 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 141 

tion, spoiled by flattery or haughty by prosperity ? 
We will see. 

It was generously proposed by the to give 

at their mansion a banquet and jubilee in honor of 
Robert's newly discovered sister. The proposal was 
gratefully accepted and cards were dispatched to 
special friends of the host and hostess, relatives in 
Boston and Ciiicago, well preserved families of !New 
York and environs. 

The Rainbow Club of Orange County, and friends 
from Brooklyn, Yorkville, and New Jersey, with rep- 
resentatives of city and vicinity press appeared in full 
force. 

Even if we had the space, yet we would not do 
violence to the retiring tastes of the family by a 
minute description of this elegant banquet. "We will 
merely mention the soft music that floated on the 
perfumed air, the many lights spreading the bright- 
ness of day throughout the dwelling, the polished 
ushers, the spacious and elegant apartments adorned 
with rich vases, carpets, paintings and festoons of 
flowers. We will not report minutely upon the mag- 
nificent attire of the ladies, or the diamonds that 
flashed the fadeless brightness born ages ago. We 
would just speak of the kindness and cultured grace 
with which host and hostess entertained the guests. 

When the sumptuous feast and varied entertain- 



142 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

ment was over, tlie guests were called together in the 
grand parlor. 

By request, Rev. Dr. Paul came forward and said : 
Valued Friends : 

It is my joyful duty to quiet quivering hearts. In 
the hour of night I was lately called to the bedside of 
an aged gypsy woman, who lay dying. The strange 
guide threatened my life if I delayed, and I was 
constrained to follow him. I found her raised on 
pillows in a gypsy wagon, where she made this, 

DYING CONFESSION. 

Sir, near forty year ago, my husband and myself 
were in Windsor, England. Being childless, our cov- 
etous eyes fell upon a lovely little girl, whose nurse 
daily took her out to get her cheeks painted by the 
sun. While the nurse was busy, here and there, we 
stole the child by stratagem. We hid it for a season 
in the wilderness of London, and then hastened to 
America. The kingdom rang with calls of the 
father for his child, even as now in America for 
Charlie Ross of Philadelphia. Within a year after 
our arrival in this country, my husband enticed a boy 
sleeping in a house of entertainment. We strove to 
make the children believe that they were brother and 
sister, but they were a little too old, and remembered 
the incidents of their earlier life. 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 143 

As they grew up to maturity, nature asserted the 
truth, and they hasted to a judge of Civil Law, by 
whom they were married. They returned to our 
gypsy camp, and lived with us several years longer. 
But although we treated them with the greatest kind- 
ness, which they repaid by kindness in return, still 
time could not blot out. the lessons of infancy, and 
their whole nature rebelled against our wild roving 
life. In fact the young woman, who would go by no 
other name than Mary, made her husband swear that 
their children should not be allowed to grow up as 
gypsies. 

Their first child, a boy, was left at some house of 
charity, in the city of New York. The second and 
last child, a daughter, was left at Farmer Grey's. 
That is your adopted daughter Jennie. At this time 
my husband's mind was soured against them, and he 
vowed vengeance against the farmer's life and prop- 
erty if they kept up any intercourse with this child. 
Soon the father and mother left the camp, and never 
returned. Take this little box. It contains one of 
two lockets that were around the neck of the girl we 
stole. Let it not be opened, save in Windsor. 

Having thus spoken, the old woman covered her 
face with a blanket and I departed. In the morning 
the band had departed, no one knew whither. 

The merchant stepped forward and said; "I 



144 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

rejoice in being able to offer that which not only 
confirms the statement of the dying woman, but 
throws new light upon it. The facts to which you 
have just listened, were revealed to me in confidence, 
when by ocean telegaph I caused the files of English 
papers to be searched, with the result received to-day. 

Dear Sir : — We have searched the records, and find that 
forty years ago, Capt. William Blake commanded the ship Pro- 
pontis, which was attacked by pirates, who were driven off by 
the courage and skill of a young Kentuckian named Boone. 
Boone married the captain's daughter, and lived on the estate 
at Windsor. Their only child, a beautiful little girl named 
Mary, was stolen from the Park. The mother soon grieved 
herself to death, but the father Jonathan Boone, and the aged 
grandsire Blake are still living, the latter is infirm, the former 
straight and active. 

The merchant resumed, "I make this proposition, 
let Kainbow and Jennie, Robert and Alice, cross the 
ocean at once, and on these American golden eagles, 
fly to their mother's early home, for I value money 
only to do good with it. To the brave son-in-law, 
and the gallant grandsire, let the long despaired of 
consolation come at last." 

They sailed on the good ship Bothnia, of the Cu- 
nard Line. Dr. Paul gave the locket, and prayed, 
" heaven grant you joyous union with your kindred, 
and a safe return." Jennie said : " Fear not, sister 
Alice, God reigns on the sea, and there is Boone blood 
in Robert." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

ri iHE king of the sea was merciful. Having ar- 
-■- rived on British soil the four Americans pro- 
ceeded to Windsor. Leaving the ladies in the car- 
riage, Rainbow and Robert entered an inn, well kept 
hy a rubicund landlord. Several draymen were dis- 
posing of ale and cheese, while with quivering voice 
Robert said, "Is there living in this town an aged 
Captain Blake ? " 

Landlord, — Aye, there is. 

lioherL — Know you his son-in-law, Jonathan 
Boone ? 

Landlord. — God bless you, yes. He is my land- 
lord. Every time a child dies he lowers the rent, and 
now alas, children and rent are next to nothing. 

Robert. — Had he a child stolen, many years ago ? 

Landlord. — Aye, aye, the sweetest girl of Wind- 
sor. 

Robert. — If she still live, I know not ; but she is 
my mother and the mother of this man's wife. Go ye 
first to the captain, and to Jonathan Boone, who is my^ 
grandfather, break the news gently. We will follow 
with wives and proof. 



146 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Scene in the Mansion of Captain Blahe, Windsor, 
England. 

A white-haired bowed old man is in his well-stuffed 
chair. It is Captain Blake. A well-preserved man 
of sixty is arranging a warm shawl over the Captain's 
shoulder. It is Jonathan Boone. 

Boone. — Father, you rested well, nerve up, and 
take some food. 

Blake.— 'NsLj my son. My body is well nigh past 
feeding, but my soul has feasted on a vision that will 
bear me through. I saw my daughter Helen enter 
that door, looking as she did on the morning you mar- 
ried her, forty years ago. But my son she came as 
another man's wife, not yours. 

Boone. — Dreams are fickle prophets, but tell me 
how he seemed ? 

Blake. — He was of a slender, nimble figure, and 
what is stranger still, Helen's brother seemed with 
her, she had no brother. 

A knock is heard, and the landlord enters. 

Landlord. — Good cheer, good people. I see the 
Captain is on deck to-day. 

Blake. — N"ay, John, not on deck. I'm in the 
cabin sick, soon to be tossed down the plank into the 
6ea. 

Landlord. — Mr. Boone, I would have a word in 
private. 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 14? 

As the two depart, a waiting-maid offers the 
Captain food, but he declines, saying, "A sink- 
ing ship cannot take even gold on board. Kate, 
you have been a good girl, you shall have your 
reward." 

Jonathan Boone now returns, bringing Kainbow 
and Kobert. 

Blake exclaims, " These are the men I saw, but 
where is Helen ? *' 

Boone leads up Jennie and sa^^s, " Tell me who 
this is ? " 

Blake. — I know not who she is, she seems like 
Helen ; but it is growing dark. Light the candles, 
Kate, my head is turning. 

Loving arms catch the Captain ere he falls. One 
raises a window, another fans him. Boone gives him 
cordial. 

The Captain revives, gazes wildly and says, " Am 
I dreaming still ? Keep nothing back. I have long 
lived in darkness. I would die in the light." 

Boone. — Father, our little Mary was stolen by 
gypsies. She grew up and was married in America. 
This Bobert and Jennie are her children. Whether 
Mary be living they know not, but look, they have 
brought back one of the lockets Helen put on 
Mary's neck. See, here is the Pirate Scene on the 
Propontis, 



148 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Blake, — It is enough. Lord have mercy. Come 
to my arms, my darlings. 

Kobert and Jennie clasp him. Group stand weep- 
ing. The Captain dies. 

Boone.— T>eair father, tender and brave, farewell. 
How much better his fate, my children, than those 
who leave no good record on the earth, and send none 
up to heaven. 

The death of Captain Blake made a profound im- 
pression. Fate had twined the destiny of English 
Blake with American Boone. Perhaps the destinies 
of the two nations are joined as well. The British 
people felt a thrill of sympathy, showing the harp of 
nature plays one strain. As is well known, Yictoria, 
Queen of England and Empress of India, has a castle 
in Windsor. 

The forest, the lake, the river, the drives, the prox- 
imity to London, and all its opulent associations, make 
Windsor precious in Victoria's eyes. All that touches 
the heart, or concerns the welfare of Britain, concerns 
the noble Queen and royal family as well. In her car- 
riage, down she caiile to the mansion, and as a sove- 
reign, praised the faithful dead, and as a tender mother 
consoled those who wept. With her jeweled hand, 
that still bore the ring pledging eternal love 'twixt her 
and noble Albert, she touched the coffin. With the 
other she pointed to the body, saying, *^ My children, 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 149 

'tis well for Princes to pay homage, where Death 
holds court. Eemember, in the kingdom whither he 
is gone and we are going, only christian virtue changes 
to unending royalty and righteousness is bliss. Of all 
the noble deeds of life, most noble to live long and 
well, this Captain Blake has done." 



CHAPTER XXV. 



The Bueial of Captain Blake. 

r I iHE bells of Windsor toll — The procession appears 
-*- — The band plays dirges — Soldiers in English and 
American colors entwined — Archbishops with robes — 
Casket with pall and bearers — Robert, Jonathan Boone 
and Alice — Rainbow and Jennie — Relatives and 
Friends — High Mobility — Naval officers and Sailors — 
Servants and Tenants — Soldiers — Band of music. 



Picture 1. — Opening of Parliament — In the House 

OF LOEDS. 

Some of the grandest earthly sights are dreadful. 
Such are the horrors of an earthquake, belching of 
volcanic fires, a ship in flames, the rush of a tornado 
or the fury of a siege. But there are also grand 
sights, beautiful and pleasant, such as the opening 
and closing of the Gates of Day, the spangled robe of 
Night, and the verdant garb of Spring. 

Prominent among the scenes of joyful grandeur, 
are justly reckoned those in which a loving people 
take a new sovereign to their breast. The true glory 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 151 

of such a spectacle lies not in the wealth of waving 
banners, the loud call of trumpets, thunder of cannon, 
nor the flashes of jewels on coronets and crowns ; but 
rather in the sense of security that pervades the nation. 
Few scenes surpass in dignity the opening of the Brit- 
ish Parliament by Queen Victoria. Light stepping 
heralds precede Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who 
appears escorting the princess Alexandra. 

The assemblage rises to do them honor, while the 
Princess fair and gentle takes her seat, and the Prince, 
in the dress of a Field Marshal, over the robes of a 
duke, becomes seated on the right of the throne. 
Then the nearer approach of majesty is proclaimed 
by heralds, whose dresses are radiant with purple and 
gold, as the sunlight comes into the House of Lords. 

The great oflScials of the British Court come next, 
then the Premier with robe of scarlet and noble duke 
bearing the crown. Amid a reverent silence comes 
Victoria. 

With gentle dignity the punctual Queen advances 
to the throne, followed by her graceful daughters, the 
Princesses Louise and Beatrice, w^ho arrange the er- 
mine drapery about the person of her Majesty. 

The attire of the Queen was dark velvet and light 
fur. She bore ample sleeves, and a widow's cap, on 
which shone the crown, while the Koh-i-noor diamond 
burned on the imperial breast, as with grace she wel- 



152 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

corned the faithful Commons, who welcomed their 
faithful Queen. The Lord Chancellor takes on bended 
knee, the Queen's speech, which is read from the 
throne. Then bowing to Lords and Commons she 
leaves the throne. The eminent assembly rises up 
while the well-beloved royal matron disappears, and 
the inspiring pageant vanishes from the eye, but ever 
shall remain in memory as a Bright Picture of Life. 

Picture 2. — In Windsor Cattle. 

But the scene to which we now invite attention, 
although destitute of some of these grand features, 
will we trust make amends by cheerful variety. The 
time is soon after the burial of Blake, the place is 
Windsor Castle. 

Near the centre of a spacious and elegant apart- 
ment, her Majesty, Queen Yictoria is seated. In front 
is a marble table, and around are noblemen intent on 
the welfare of the British realm. 

Her Majesty began the colloquy as follows : 

" My lords and gentlemen : I desire your counsel 
in regard to the journey of my son Albert, Prince of 
Wales, to my possessions in India, and to express the 
approval by the crown of the great American Centen- 
nial to be held next year in the city of Philadelphia." 

A Nobleman. — The suggestions of your Majesty 
are timely and important, but ere their consideration, 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 153 

I beg leave to say, that a certain young American, 
Rainbow I think, by name, has been invited to enter- 
tain us with his cute wit and rustic manners ; doubt- 
less at the door, he waits. 

Victoria, — Let the waiting American be admitted. 

Officer. — Please your Majesty, there is no Ameri- 
can w^aiting at the door. 

Lord Blank. — He was invited, but declined ; and 
with mock thanks. 

Victoria. — He is a relative of Blake, with story 
quite romantic. Report doth call him poet and phi- 
losopher. Albert, my son, send thou Sir Charles at 
once, with gentle art. To make his coming sure, 
write thou a message. Be careful how thy words are 
marshalled, for Americans can scarce endure what 
Bavors of command. 

Prince Albert. — It shall be done. 

Lord Blanh. — I know this American quite well, 
and I can sketch his outline in advance. At first he 
will have airs, you'll see. IN'ot being able to keep up 
the style, he will, in his weak closing words, proclaim 
himself a clown. 

Picture 3. — In the Mansion of late Captain 
Blake. 

Present, Jonathan Boone, Robert and Alice, Rain- 
bow and Jennie. {Enter Sir Charles.) 
7* 



154 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Sir Charles. — Kind greeting from the court, to all 
this house. My mission most concerns this son of 
Orange. {Gives Rairibow the letter^ 

He reads, 

"Rainbow of Orange will be welcomed in Windsor Castle. 
Dispensing with ceremony, he will be greeted as a friend, as 
well as a representative of a brave and generous people. 
For Victoria, and the Royal Court, 

Albert. 
Windsor, 1875. 

Baitibow to Jennie. — "What saith Eainbow's 
Queen? Shall he one hour, hold court with Brit- 
ain's? 

Jennie. — My husband, go. Thou art a poet, speak 
thou pleasant words. Also a philosopher thou art, 
let thy pleasant words be wise. Thou art a member 
of Columbia's noble house. Go meet the Queen, the 
Court, the Prince, but meet them as a Prince. 

Picture 4. — Queen Yictoeia's Court. 

A Herald clad in gold. — Sir Charles and ward 
await the royal pleasure. 

Victoria. — We will grant them speedy audience. 

Chancellor. — Let not England be unhorsed in this 
tournament of wit. Bid them come in. 

Quee7i. — Art thou a Rainbow ? 

Hainlow. — Thanks to my sire, I am. 

Queen. — What sort of a Rainbow art thou ? 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 155 

Rahibow. — Such as thou seest, such am I. 

Queen. — Well that is bright and clever. Speak 
out, and by thj boldness win our commendation. 

Raiiibow, — Pardon me. Had I not better step 
with caution, than cross the line 'twixt boldness and 
rashness, and thus offend your Majesty and the Court. 

Queen. — Be free to speak. Have I not said, dis- 
pense with ceremony ? 

Rainhow. — 'Tis true. Suppose the sun should 
say, dispense with gravitation, could the earth obey? 
Queens may command and Commons should obey. 
But Who made Queens and Commons marked the 
way. 

Queen. — Be not so stately if you please. {To the 
court) — Lead him some merry vein. He waits for 
that. 

Chancellor. — What think yon of England ? 

Mainhow. — Much every way, but chiefly this. Its 
future is ahead. 

Chancellor. — What was the temper of your people 
when you left ? 

Bainlow. — Midway between a Sheffield razor and 
Damascus blade. 

Chancellor. — We hear sad stories of your nation. 
Ministers, secretaries, bankers, to put it mildly, are 
much suspected. 

Eainhow. — It is the will of God, that men be led 



156 A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

astraj. Suns be eclipsed, angels to demons tnrned, 
but only demons at the fact rejoice. Extravagance, 
speculation, villainy, are the vile progeny of a fearful 
war, which by our people, shall be scorned with tears, 
as they their second century begin and close. 

Chancellor, — Who think you, will be your next 
president % 

Rainbow. — One of two men, who both love peace. 

Chancellor. — But the election may become a tie. 

Rainbow. — Then Court Supreme will cut the 
Gordian knot. 

Chancellor. — What is your American Constitution 
based on ? 

Rainbow. — On Kevelation. 

Chancellor. — Pray tell me, on what sort ? 

Rainbow. — The vision of the prophet Ezekiel, of 
a wheel inside of a wheel, and the revelation to 
Franklin and Jefferson of political truth. We have 
thirty-eight wheels, revolving inside the great wheel 
which we call Uncle Sam. 

Chancellor. — Since Boston is the hub, you hear 
the earth squeak on its axis I suppose. 

Rainbow. — Ko sir, we keep it quiet with petrole- 
um oil. 

Chancellor. — 'Yankees, they say, can live on cider 
and asking questions. Assert your title and ask us some. 

Rainbow. — The liquid comfort is invisible, but 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 157 

let that go. When will your debt be paid, when will 
the London fog clear off, and Ireland throw the shille- 
lah down ? 

Chancellor. — Our debt will be paid on demand, 
when due ; will yours ? The London fog will clear, 
as the wind turns. And Ireland smoke the Pipe o£ 
Peace when South Carolina does. Ask me more 
questions. 

Queen. — IN'ay, my good chancellor. Albert, thou 
wast to his home, and kindly kept. Now speak thou 
gently. 

Albert^ Prince of Wales. — My cousin, most welcorao 
to England. How fare our friends across the water ? 

Rainbow. — As all the world over, some living 
wise and happy, some like fools. 

Queen. — Mark well his words, my son ; they vehi- 
cle the truth. 

Albert^ Prince of Wales. — Thou hast the name of 
poet ; consider now, thou hast an eager audience. 

Painbow. — 

Well, well, do I remember, 

When riding up Broadway, 
*'The Prince of Wales is dying," 

I heard the people say. 

Thank God, the Prince recovered, 

They broke the fever's spell, 
Columbia and the world rejoice. 

The genial Prince is well. 



168 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Bnt still the truth is clear, 

A-dying was the Prince. 
Yes, all the living sons of men, 

Are dying ever since. 

When from her mighty throne 

Thy mother doth step down, 
And Albert on thine head, 

Reposes Britain's crown — 

Stay wisely mild, oh king, 
Wise using all the things 
Kind given by our Sire, 
All potent King of kings. 

Finished the game, the king, the pawn, 

In one common box are thrown. 
How dire, to enter the dread portal, 

Penniless, graceless, yet immortal. 

And what I say to thee, great Prince, 

I say to all the world. 
With manly majesty, rule well 

The wondrous empire of thyself. 

Albert. — The memory of thy counsel shall not die. 
Patiently and lovingly I wait my time. 

Queen. — Young Western bard, thou speakest 
weighty words. 

JRainbow. — Yictorious Yictoria. Britain and self 
thy realm. Mother of kings and queens, all people 
are thy children. All history softer for thy reign. 
I know peace makes lean record, better far men's ribs 
than pension rolls be fat. Sheltered by sea, and com- 
forted by sun, when sounds great Gabriel's trump 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 159 

Great Britain's work be done. Thy husband's body- 
sleeps beneath the sod, his spirit hovers near to thee, 
and God. 

Queen. — Thou hast mj thanks. {To Sir Charles) 
Bear him away. But he hath set a Kainbow in my 
sky, that never more shall fade. {To Hainhow) 
And yet a moment hold ; bear thou this pearly neck- 
lace set in gold to her who bears thy name and shares 
thy fate. 

Bainbow. — Thy gift is precious as the breath from 
off the rosy cheek of June. 

Queen, — I do not counsel it, yet if thou wish, wine 
shall be given thee. 

Hainhow. — Great Queen, health's foaming tank- 
ard and thy royal smiles enough intoxicate, without 
the treacherous cup. Ere I depart, one moment for 
my land I crave. 

Queen. — Thou hast it freely given. 

Rainlow. — Next year their Centennial Exhibition 
my people hold in Philadelphia. Yiew with your 
ever welcome nation this fairest bloom of civilization. 

Chancellor. — If heaven spare Britain, Britain will 
be there. 

Rainbow. — Aye, spared she'll be, I know, for this 
and more centennials yet to come. What's much, 
our well-wooed fields shall feed us all. What's more, 
America and Britain and fair France, firm Prussia, 



160 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

strong Russia, free Italy, sure Germany, neighborly 
Brazil and Austria, sliall bear aloft the torch of wise 
liberty, so that humanity may read its rights. And 
now and ever, mighty God, bless all whom liberty 
loves, and all who love liberty. Kind Queen, dutiful 
Prince, and gracious Court, farewell. 

{Rainbow retires with, Sir Charles) 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Death and Burial of the Generous Merchant. 

A H, what a magician is time. The raising up of 
-^-^ a full-grown brother and sister, and the dis- 
covery of grandfather and great-grandfather surpassed 
the wonders of India. 

Leaving Jonathan Boone to settle the estate, the 
four friends recrossed the ocean and were welcomed 
at home. 

On New Year's eve, 1876, all American cities and 
villages were full of loud-sounding, bright-flashing 
patriotism, hailing the Second Century of Indepen- 
dence. Cannon thundered on the public squares, 
while banners and music enlivened the streets. 
Dwellings were illuminated. The boys danced around 
their bonfires, girls looked on and smiled, ladies 
clapped their hands and thanked God for Washington 
and Liberty. 

Soon joyous spring bloomed again in the garden 
of time. But alas, alas the frosts of age had chilled 
the blood of the merchant, yet he rallied, for he had 
cherished his health. But the summons of the Con- 
queror cannot be evaded. Electric fire flashed over 



162 A PICTURE OF LIPE. 

all the world the death of the millionaire. In all 
dwellings, warmed by furnaces or fagots, the same 
degree of coldness is marked on the thermometer of 
death. Yonder npon the household stem a sweet bud 
bloomed, then fell ; but in this marble palace has fallen 
the stem itself. 

Silent and helpless reposed all that was left of him 
at whose word, with God's consent, ships anchored 
or sailed, mills turned or stood and thousands rejoiced 
or feared. 

Like all men he was born, like most he married, 
and died. But he deserves more on his tomb than 
" Hie jacetr To his bazaars people came to trade ; 
now to his house they come to bury. Editors, min- 
isters, doctors, lawyers, merchants, operatives attend 
the obsequies of him who was famed for honor, enter- 
prise and success. The widow broke a costly box of 
floral alabaster. The preacher spoke of his quiet faith 
that would survive his life, and the charity that would 
extend far beyond his death. 

The next morning the factory wheels revolved 
again, the spindles began to hum, silks and all goods 
were revealed, and toil continued as before. Romulus 
founded Eome, Cecrops Athens, and their dust sleep 
near them. One founded Garden City whose dust 
and that which was precious to him will rest in the 
lap of a memorial church. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Opening of the Centennial Exhibition. 

A CCORDING to announcement long made, the 
-^^-^ Exhibition at Philadelphia was formally opened 
on Wednesday, May 10, 1876, in the presence of a 
vast and patient audience. 

The ceremonies were magnificent and successful. 
At nine a. m. the gates were opened and one hundred 
thousand persons entered the enclosure during the 
first hour, and two hundred and fifty thousand during 
the first day, thus surpassing all previous openings of 
a fair. 

Upon a vast stage in front of Memorial Hall were 
a host of dignitaries and guests, while led by Thomas 
the vast orchestra of one hundred and fifty instru- 
ments and eight hundred voices rendered twenty 
national airs and " Wagner's Centennial March." 

Then the venerable Bishop Simpson offered, like 
King Solomon, 

A PRAYER OF DEDICATION. 

Oh Thou God of our fathers, we come on this glad day into 
these courts with thanksgiving, and these gates with prayer. 



164 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

"We thank Thee for this land veiled from the ancient world, 
but revealed to Thy chosen people whom Thou didst lead 
through the billows of the deep. "We thank Thee for the 
fathers, men of mind and of might, who laid on truth and 
justice the structure of freedom. We praise Thee for the clos- 
ing century, for the immortal Washington and his grand asso- 
ciates, for the heroism which under Thy blessing led them to 
success. We thank Thee for social and national prosperity, 
for valuable discoveries and inventions, for schools free as the 
morning light, for books and periodicals, for art and science, 
for freedom to worship Thee. Bless all the people and this 
celebration. May it draw the nations together. 

Preserve our national guests. Bless the women of America 
and may their intelligence and purity increase the glory of 
Christian elevation. May our Republic be strengthened in 
every element of true greatness and acknowledge supreme al- 
legiance only to the King of kings. And unto Thee our 
Father, through Him who is the light of men, will we ascribe 
the glory, now and evermore. — Amen. 

Instantly afterward there rose a grand burst of 
melody, from organ, orchestra and voices singing 
Paine's music to " Whittier's Centennial Hymn." 
Then General Ilawley, President of the Commission, 
and John Welch, Chairman of the Board of Finance, 
presented the Exhibition to President Grant, who 
accepted in the name of the American people, and 
Buck's noble Cantata was given with Lanier's unique 
Poem. Hereupon the stars and stripes were floated 
from the tower on the Main Building and the instru- 
ments and voices rolled forth the sublime strains of 
the Hallelujah Chorus. One hundred iron bulls of 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 165 

Bashan bellowed from George's Hill — bells were 
ruDg— the people cheered, Columbia smiled and the 
Centennial Exhibition was opened. 

The President of the United States, and Dom 
Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, put their hands on the 
lever of the vast Corliss engine. The monster caught 
his breath and moved, and many acres of machinery 
moved also. The crowd dispersed to the various 
buildings. 

As for the city of Philadelphia, it may be said 
that in the evening, its many homes were crowded 
with guests from all lands, its tables bent with the 
weight of good cheer, its windows blazed with mill- 
ions of lights, and its great heart right royally was 
proud. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

The Centennial Fourth of July, 1876. 

nnHE patriotism of the American people was won- 
-^ drouslj aroused by the ceremonies of the fourth, 
and by the display of the previous evening. Through 
all the cities of the Union, midnight was ablaze. 
Stars were dimmed by costly and complex pyrotech- 
nics. The illuminations were not confined to the 
public buildings, nor the costly edifices of trade, nor 
the mansions of the rich, but the poor patriot put a 
candle in his window and cheered. 

No American town was in darkness. The city of 
!N"ew York, on that memorial night, surpassed in 
brilliancy any illumination ever attempted by man. 
Philadelphia has the honor of the Exposition, but the 
metropolis surpassed all the Centennial glories, save 
that, in the volcanic invasion of the air by battalions 
of rockets and the gorgeous glowing of multitudinous 
Chinese lanterns, and the miles of processions congre- 
gating in acres of humanity, on Union Square. 

Broadway was a Nile of glory, pouring its tides 
of splendor from the Hudson to the Sound. A hun- 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 167 

dred thousand people cheered, the orderly step of 
fifty thousand in line, while the elaborate adornings 
surpassed the dazzling festivals of London, Rome, or 
Paris. The regiments of soldiers and hosts of police 
were quiet features of the scene, for without a touch 
of a bayonet, or even a harsh word, the people were 
loyally merry. 

The Fourth of July is a great day in every year, 
but this Centennial was regarded with unusual vheme- 
ence. After a night spent in jubilant fury, the dawn 
was met by firing of cannon and the ringing of bells, 
bells, bells in all the American towns. Grand pro- 
cessions moved, headed by marshals and bands of 
music, followed by cavalry and infantry, orator, poet 
and historian, civic societies with appropriate banners, 
uniformed fire brigades, veterans of the wars, with 
flags, citizens and music. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Rainbow Club to Centennial in coach and four. 

A S we have said, the national enthusiasm was 
-^-^ aroused by the ceremonies of the fourth. It 
was as though a torch had touched a ])undle of tinder. 
From all parts of the land rose the cry, " On to the 
Centennial." The Rainbow Club joined cry and chase, 
for in full session said Mr. Galloway, 

"Gentlemen: — Washington, Jefferson and Lafay- 
ette never traveled on railroads, patriots should go as 
patriots went, the Rainbow Club should go to Cen- 
tennial in a coach and four." 

The major added : *•' Correct, it is my opinion 
plump." 

Suffice it to say, four spirited but well trained 
horses were procured. The forward two were bay, 
the hind ones were white ; and as the body of the 
coach was painted blue, with flags and emblems liber- 
ally delineated on the running gear, fore and aft, the 
red, white, and blue was fully carried out. Early on 
a September day, 1876, over the town of Montgomery, 
there was revealed the miracle of morn. Solomon 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 169 

Kainbow and Jemima, and Major Plump, Mr. and 
Mrs. Galloway entered the coach. Elias drove, with 
Pompey Csesar at his side. Crack went the whip, 
round went the wheels, on went the Rainbow Club to 
the Centennial in a coach and four. 

The neighbors saluted them with many cheers. 
As they swept past Gypsy Dell, they received rousing 
plaudits, and one said if he had a tar barrel, he'd burn 
it. The flying steeds soon reached Middletown, and 
halted at Saccharine's Tavern. After dinner, (the 
horses having been fed and watered,) the coach with 
the club rolled down the road to Unionville, accompa- 
nied by clouds of dust, barked at by innumerable 
dogs, gazed at by stout Minisink farmers from their 
fields and by beautiful Minisink matrons and maidens 
with their bright eyes, red cheeks, and pearly fore- 
heads, from doorways and gardens. 

Soon the spires of the Unionville churches come 
in view, and the smoking horses and quivering coach 
come thundering in front of the Metropolitan of the 
town. Out rushed the landlord with faultless linen on, 
and up sprang Major Plump, saying : " Here we are 
three patriots, two ladies, one Jehu, and one Ethio- 
pian. And how are you off for the necessaries of 
life?" 

Landlord, — By the great Caesar, we have 
plenty. 

8 



170 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Next day they dined well at Deckertown, and 
then pushed on to Newton, one of the finest towns of 
northern New Jersey. The birds bore the news, for 
when coach and four, with the Centennial banners 
flying, neared the place, a merry crowd was at its 
wheels, children from the schools, mechanics from the 
shops, merchants with gold spectacles, and a motley 
group of yelping Jersey dogs rushed out, for the cry 
was " The Rainbow Club is coming." Some persons 
thinking the coach an advertising dodge, inquired: 
" Where do you show ? and what's the price of 
tickets?" 

Aunt Jemima darted fiery glances through her 
perifocals, while the chairman maintained his philo- 
sophic dignity. Men and boys followed into the 
livery and examined every hub and spoke, and gazed 
in wonder at the heroic devices adorning the body of 
the coach. At length came Philadelphia, and Fair- 
mount Park, crowned with two hundred Centennial 
Buildings, some lofty and long, with cornices, arcades, 
and towers, blazing with flags in the noon-day sun. 

The other friends praised the Railroad corpo- 
rations for good conveyance, low fares, and cour- 
teous treatment. Such gentle touches make life glad. 
No grander scene ever blessed human vision, than 
from Penn. Railroad Depot. Every species of archi- 
tectural magnificence was in view. Grand in size, 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 171 

comely in proportion and finish, the Centennial Build- 
ings, showing mosques, turrets, banners, signalled the 
progress of the world. The American people had 
aroused themselves for the task, and all difficulties 
went down beneath the shock of their courages 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Scene in Main Hall — Centennial Exhibition 
Dr, Paxil. — 

Oh God Almiglity and most just, 
Yet merciful, in Thee we trust, 
While these grand scenes unroll. 
We thank Thee for the power of sight, 
By which this flood of joy so bright, 
Pours in upon the soul. 

Jennie. — 

Thou rich bouquet of fairest blossoms, 
From all earth's gardens freshly drawn. 
Thou comest welcome as the dawn, 
Columbia's Century Plant to grace. 
In Philadelphia's Fairmount vase. 

Alice. — 

The skill and wisdom of the age combine, 
To form this diamond on the land of time. 

Robert. — 

'Tis rather an Olympian Game we see — 
I ask the judges. " Which runs best?" 
They answer, " All the world's abreast." 

Solomon Hainhow. — Pray let an old man speak. 

The family of nations come with gifts 

To deck their sister's house, upon her natal day. 

My heart with streams of joy doth run — 

By prudent marriage — my dear brother's son 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 173 

Hath from tlie sleep of Folly been awoke ; 
And binds liis neck to duty's yoke. 
Nephew — the occasion calls for record, 
Speak kindly to the gathered world. 

Milton Raivihoio. — 

Fair Europe, Asia brown and Africa; 

And all ye islands of the deep. 

We welcome you and all ye bring. 

Now first comes mighty Britain as is meet, 

Bearing rich paintings from her Windsor walls. 

With napkin woven by the royal hand: 

And etchings 'broidered by a princess' band, 

And many wonders from a wondrous land. 

Ah, London — Capital of time 

So wise and populous— sublime ! 

Steaming Liverpool — Manchester whirling 

Birmingham — Sheffield , Kidderminster, 

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley, Bristol, 

Dublin, Cork and Limerick, 

All ye great towns have sent great gifts. 

Which are accepted, with great thanks. 

To draw the eye, one picture never fails — 

Frith's Marriage of the Prince of Wales. 

Henceforth may war's tide never run 

'Cross Wellington's fair land and Washington. 

Now doth the beautiful great France 

In comely majesty advance. 

Thou bringest wine this feast to crown. 

Still memory's lips and eyes are wet 

With fragrant thoughts and dewy tears 

For mutual hero Lafayette. 

niustrious Paris, gay and grand 

With nimble foot and open hand, 

Silken Lyons and Bordeaux, 

Havre, Marseilles and Monaco, 

On the great sea, o'er which ye sailed 



174 A PICTURE OP LIFE. 

With gales above, and rocks below. 
Ye kept stout heart, and sunny face 
'Mid plenitude of woe, 
Now stepping from her crystal throne 
Fate offers thee a starry crown. 

Vast Germany, thy sky doth blaze 
With happy homes and princes brave ; 
Ye cherish thoughts of other days 
To nourish deeds all strong to save. 
While strong in muscles — kind in looks, 
Heaven bless the Germans at their books. 
The students may possess the air, 
The people bring the gifts of care — 
Germania vase and quaint old German ware. 
Clocks of Black Forest and sweet odors rare. 

How swift hath Prussia to the foremost front 
With banners flying most tremendous come — 
Thy mighty guns, a clouded glory gain, 
But pure the garlands of thy porcelain. 

Hail Austria — well done ! 
Thou hast a sparkle of old Hapsburg pride 
Born where the Danube pours his tide. 
We take thy gifts with many thanks 
Wheel grand Vienna in the ranks ; 
Hail Kossuth — gallant Hun ! 

Vast nation of the Czar and great of heart 
Where deeds are done ; thou dost thy part. 
Like a huge army thou dost hold the North, 
Electric robes of fur thou sendest forth 
To symbolize the heats that rest 
For kind America, in Russia's breast. 

Welcome fair Italy — within whose Hall 
Art keeps a constant carnival. 
And fairy Naples — antique Rome, 
Where all the world delight to roam — 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 175 

Thy heart good Father is aglow 

With love thy rich Mosaics show. 

We hail thy kindness, Modern Greece, 

And wish thee bravery and peace. 

Despite divines, with righteous wisdom crammed — 

Holland is saved by being dammed. 

Thy sturdy shoulders keep away the sea. 

Thy sturdy virtues keep all shame from thee. 

Free land of Tell — thou standest well 
Upon thine Alpine base. 
Thy sons scarce hold the watch of gold 
That times the human race. 

Thanks, honest Denmark, brave and true — 
And Babel-speaking Belgium too. 

Norway and Sweden, on thy land 
Is peace — though whirlpools sweep the strand. 
Home of Columbus — grand old Spain — 
After thine ebb, thy flood may come again. 
And pleasant Portugal accept our praise 
For kind remembrance of other days. 

Asia now charms our eyes — 
Asia so vast and indolent, 
Asia so old and opulent. 
And full of mysteries. 

Dark tinted Africa, we cannot say. 

Thou art as thou hast been alway — 

For Orange Free State struggles into day. 

Egypt antiquitous — thou Palace of the Nile ; 

Tomb of the Pharaohs — stay a while. 

Rich gifts, requesting we be friends 

" The oldest people to the youngest sends." 

Welcome Lord Duflferin and Canadian show — 
Welcome Brazil — welcome Pedro. 
At home ye diverse speak — taught from above. 
Speak here one dialect of love. 



176 A PICTURE OP LIPB. 

Down in the mighty Valley of the Past 

Rise complex scenes of splendor and of woe — 

Columbus staggering o'er a doubtful sea 

Then landing on a bright but threatening shore. 

Then Jamestown's slender huts and smokes arise. 

Then Plymouth holds the May Flower to its breast. 

The scene unfolds of tears and plans — 

Of Indian hate — towns burning in the night. 

And yet the Colonies do wide expand. 

The air grows heavy with the weight of War ; 

Seven years of tempest : then a precious calm 

Freighted with praise to God, and Liberty to man. 

Now turn we from the former times away 

To glowing Panorama of To-day. 

In this consummate age of mighty men 

All are so grand that few are heroes known — 

No Caesar in the field — nor in the schools 

Demosthenes or Socrates doth blaze ; 

No Chatham — no Webster — no Clay ; 

For stars are dim, when all is day. 

Nigh rended Union hath the stronger grown ; 

W hat once was oak, is changed to stone. 

Upon the channel of the Coming Time 

I see all nations in a squadron move. 

The channel narrows when the Stream of Time 

Pours in the Sea of Immortality. 

The ships go in — an Angel from the heights 

The golden heights of Heaven, comes down and waves 

The striped and starry banner over all — 

Dra\TO back the night — lets in the day 

And from Millenial gates rolls the high rock away. 

All hail ! bold Maine — thou Alpha of the States, 

The North Star of the Union — 

Stand thou New England of our land a type 

A mountain stable, sunly-crowned and green. 

With sweet and ample verdure ever blessed. 

And solemn, awful grandeur ever crowned ! 

Historic Realm — the world doth reverence stall 

Thy Robe of Glory won at Bunker Hill ; 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 177 

And shall to thee with homage turn, . 

Till Earth's last flame the records burn. 

Ne'er slept in Harvest, Boston, old or young. 

When for the steel-clad reapers old South rung, 

'Twas on a corner of her street — a friend of Britain said : 

Beware how you annoy the King — the sky seems red. 

" Aye red with blood of tyrants, blushes of the shamed 

I know," 
So spake the brave Bostonian, a hundred years ago. 
'* Take my advice," said Britain's friend, " go slow." 
" Tell ye the whirling sun, go slow, 
Tell ye the ocean pulses, beat ye slow. 
Tell ye the winds woke by tornado call, go slow. 
When sun and tides and winds obey thee. 
Then will I go slow. 
Till then, whate'er the issue be, 
I'll take the double-quick for Liberty," 
So spake the brave Bostonian a hundred years ago. 
Oh, Providence keep thou true to name. 
And God will light thee to eternal fame. 
While lovely Newport crowns the bay. 
Starry as Night and sunny as the Day. 
Learned New Haven, let flushed ignorance pale, 
At the sure mandate of thy mighty Yale. 
While queenly Hartford, beautiful as good, 
Shares with the world her daily food. 
Magnificent Metropolis, New York, 
Thy regal homes, thy marble halls of trade, 
Have Broadway inimitable made. 
Thy Brooklyn arch curves lightly o'er the tide — 
Art's miracle — the waters to divide. 
Ye dizzy myriads, who in coming time 
Shall walk this corridor sublime, 
God help you faith's steep bridge to climb. 
I see a group of hardy men. 
Who cultivate the seas 
From where the Southern waters boil, 
To where the Northern freeze ; 
Returning flush and merry now 
8* 



17S A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

From oflf their briny way, 

With iron halters tie their steeds 

To anchors in the bay. 

Goddess of Jersey, thou Venus art, 

So coy in manner, generous in heart ; 

New York is Juno, Queen of Heaven ; 

Empire and riches to her given : 

Minerva in Massachusetts found 

With love and woven chaplets crowned ; 

Pure honored Pennsylvania, 

Goddess of flame, is Vesta. 

Diana, Queen of Woods, is fair Virginia ; 

Ohio is rich Ceres, goddess of the Harvest ; 

The fates hold Illinois, and the far West ; 

Bacchus in California makes his home, 

Cupid is o'er the Union free to roam. 

Thou monumental Baltimore, 

Fair as the daughters, none could ask for more. 

Richmond and Charleston, high on Glory's roll, 

Thy children's virtue may thy past console. 

Hot-blooded Alabama, what didst thou appease, 

When thy swift moving namesake scorched the 

Alas and bravo echo o'er the glade. 

Alas, the claims existed, bravo, they are paid. 

Bravo, brave Britain, brave honest Britain, 

Bravo, they are paid. 

'Tis thus alone, that man or nation, 

Walks the decks of life an Admiral. 

All hail the coming era of the South, 

When all her bursting springlets in one flood, 

Bear loyal states to grandeur. For her good. 

Her wise, her dutiful, her brave and fair, 

Shall find their longed-for empire only there ; 

Proud Empress of the Gulf, New Orleans vast. 

Shall win time's plaudit at the last ; 

And rich St. Louis on the Mississippi sea, 

Crown western future with her majesty ; 

And now Chicago, Phoenix-like shall rise, 

Aud rush like morning on the wondering skies ; 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 179 

Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Buffalo, 

Shall make the zenith all aglow ; 

But not their light alone, but iSames of gold. 

From all our towns in glory rolled. 

Whose children will in manliness and peace, 

Extol the greatness of this first Centennial 

In their observance of the second. 

Which other guests shall see. 

So may the world roll on, not merely hung 

Like culprit on the gibbet of the sky, 

But bathed in God's own smile, smile back in Spring, 

In Summer fruitful be, while Autumn stout, 

Shall fagots bear to keep the Winter warm : 

Till He who sent it on its mighty round, 

Steps out to take it in his hand again, 

And crowns good lives with everlasting bliss, 

Messiah's banner standing hy the throne. 

Suddenly the speaker beheld one approaching, 
and himself and Jennie, Eobert and Alice, cried out, 
" "Welcome, welcome, grandsire Boone." 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

OUR last chapter closed with the appearance of 
Jonathan Boone and the welcome that was 
given him. Afterwards the club and friends made an 
examination of the superb Disclosure. 

So grand a boast of jewels well-deserved a royal set- 
ting of wedded glass and iron. They gaze perplexed 
at which to wonder most, the buildings, the exhibition 
or the people. 

Indeed it was a wondrous crowd, buzzing like a 
swarm of bees, set by the hand of fortune in a Para- 
dise of sweets, gathering from blooms of art and sci- 
ence grateful wisdom that shall forever fill the cells of 
intellect with the nectar of memory. 

There was the African, the long-dweller in Asia, 
the flexile Frenchman, the ruddy German, the robust 
Englishman, the active Spaniard, the bright-eyed 
Italian, the massive Russian, the jolly Irishman, 
the shrewd Scotchman, the progressive Brazilian, 
the Indian, the American — all were wondering at 
the Centennial, covering two hundred and fifty 
acres. 



A PICTUBE OF LIFE. 181 

They view Main Hall 1880 by 464 ft. 
Machinery Hall. .... . 1402 '•' 360 

Agricultural Building. 820 " 125 

Memorial Hall 365 " 210 

Horticultural Building 383 " 193 

They view Woman's Pavilion and its bewildering 
array of beauty and utility ; the various State Build- 
ings ; the Turkish and Japanese Bazars, Yienna Bak- 
ery, Circular Kailroad and the million objects of 
interest. 

The Club secured a suite of commodious parlors 
wherein were held pleasant reunions with valued 
guests. 

Dr. Paul said "Let it not be told in coming time, 
that the hundredth anniversary of American Freedom 
was celebrated by a brilliant assembling of the world's 
skill, genius and wisdom — lasting two hundred days, 
yet when the hour struck for the dissolution of the 
glowing scene, all wonders of land and sea were taken 
away, and the sages returned to their books— the 
buildings were leveled, and the ground swept, for the 
grand exhibition was over and no record remained 
save in memory and the premium scrolls. 

In answer to invitation there gathered at the 
Salon de Club the most brilliant minds of the ao*e. 
Some were professors deep-read in classic lore, some 
were editors and publishers, who registered the pulses 



182 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

of thought, some clergymen " who allured to brighter 
worlds, " some deep scientists from across the sea, who 
announced fanciful theories which they failed to prove, 
some nominal Eeformers who bewailed this Diamond 
Age. 

Some morsels of the feast were preserved. One 
savant who obeyed the call was a gentleman pos- 
sessed of a type of thought called " The Theory of 
Evolution." His method was deliberate and guarded. 
He said, ^'So far as I know, there are only three 
hypotheses which have been entertained respecting 
the past liistory of nature. 

One is, that the present order has existed from all 
eternity. 

This was a favorite fancy of antiquit}^, but in mod- 
ern times has been discarded, because its verification 
would require an eternal succession of witnesses, which 
is not attainable. 

The second theory, is that the present state of 
things has existed for a comparatively brief period — 
that it had a sudden origin in definite order during 
six days according to the Mosaic, or as I choose to 
call it, the Milton ic Theory. When God said ** Let 
the earth bring forth the living creature after his 
kind," the earth obeyed at once, and the animals came 
up out of the ground. 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 183 

*' The tawny lion pawing to get free Lis liinder parts 
At leugtli rose up ; and shook his brindled mane, 
The tiger threw the soil in hillocks with a yell, 
The deer pushed head and horns up through the ground. 
And flocks came through, not only fleeced but bleating." 

There yet remains — The third Hypothesis — The 
Theory of Evolution. 

That supposes that at any given period in the 
past, we should meet with a state of things more or 
less similar to the present; but less siaiilar in pro- 
portion as we go back in time ; that the physical frame 
of the earth could be traced back in this way to a 
condition in which its parts were separated into little 
more than a nebulous cloud, making part of the com- 
mon substance into which we should find the sun 
and the other planetary bodies also resolved ; and 
that if we trace back the animal world or vegetable 
world we should find preceding the present fauna 
and flora, animals and plants not identical with them, 
but like them, only increasing their differences as you 
go back in time ; and becoming simpler until eventual- 
ly we should arrive at that gelatinous mass which, so 
far as our present knowledge goes, is the common 
foundation of all life; and whether we could trace 
that further is uncertain ; but at any rate, the force 
of science tends to justify the speculation that that 
could be traced to something common in itself ; and 
the nebulous foundation of universal matter. 



184 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

" The hypothesis of lEvolution supposes that in all 
this past progression there would be no breach of 
continuity but would be like the wonderful series of 
changes in virtue of which there arises out of that 
semi-fluid homogeneous substance called an egg, the 
delicate organization of an animal. That is what is 
meant by Evolution." 

Dr. Paul then arose and said, "I wish to ask the 
learned gentleman the question ' Has the principle 
of Evolution completed its work ; or does the work 
still go on V " The answer came, *' I suppose it still 
goes on." 

Dr. Paul resumed, " Is there anything that you or 
I or our learned neighbors have seen that gives to 
this principle any probability? Could it act from 
century to century of modern times unnoticed ? We 
have the evidence of Historj- — describing horses — 
sheep — oxen — birds and men, ages ago, similar to 
those of the present day. It is the province of I^a- 
ture to be mysterious ; but rest assured the God of 
Nature will not allow himself to be exiled from the 
world he made. Let us lift our gaze from this ob- 
scurity to the glorious idea of the immortality of the 
soul. We all agree that matter exists. It is not 
reasonable to suppose that it constitutes its own 
creator; or that it exists without a creator; but it is 
consistent with Reason and Observation and Revelation 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 185 

to believe that Nature originated by the command and 
exists by the will of an Almighty power called God." 

Then followed candid conversation in regard 
to the origin of things. Reference was made to 
Aristotle, Plato and Kant and to the Brahminical and 
materialistic leaders of the day. At the close of long 
debate, these learned men, in council, — with all the 
light of science in the noon of 1876, acknowledged, 
almost unanimously, that the most comforting and 
rational mode of solving Creation, Life and Event 
was to admit the being of one Supreme Power, — the 
Lord Jehovah — and the teaching of one supreme book 
— the Bible. After prolonged and delightful session, 
the Club adjourned for the day. 



CEAPTER XXXII. 

01!^ the day following this conference, the members 
of the Club were gazing on the wonders of the 
Main Hall. 

In an aisle a little apart, Solomon Rainbow and 
the lawyer were engaged in an earnest conversation. 
Soon the two came to where Milton Rainbow was 
standing; and taking him by the arm, led him 
up the winding stairs at the western end of the 
Hall ; and having reached the highest gallery in the 
Tower, the three stood surveying the wondrous 
scene below. 

There was the romantic Pagoda of the East — the 
huge iron enclosures of Sweden — the gilded colonnade 
of Brazil — the wonders of England, France, Germany, 
Russia, Austria, America and all the world. They 
also perceived the ceaseless hum of human voices 
and constant tread of human feet. 

The uncle turned and said, "Nephew, what 
thinkest thou ?" 

He answered, " I have the thought of Xerxes who 
over twenty centuries ago, viewed his army of mil- 
lions. So do I feel sad as looking down upon this 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 187 

throng, I reflect that in less than a hundred years, 
this multitude will be dead. 

The uncle said to the lawyer, "Brother, now is 
the golden moment, thrust in the sickle for the har- 
vest." 

The lawyer produced a paper and said to Milton, 
" My friend, your father left this message, to be given 
in some happy moment." 

Milton opened and read as follows : 

*' My son, when you read these lines, I will be in the Land 
of Spirits. In the past thou hast fed on the viands of fancy, 
turn ye, turn ye to the food of the blest. 

Thou and thy fellows will soon be as I am. Lose no time 
my son ; warn the people to prepare to meet their God in judg- 
ment. And as thou warnest others, first of all be warned 
thyself. From thy loving, but departed parent, 

John Rainbow. 

Had a thunderbolt exploded at his feet, he could 
not have been more startled. He said, "Did my 
father wish me to become a lay preacher? "What 
would the world say ? Would it heed my warning, 
who was late so gay ? " 

The uncle said : " Were not the apostles changed 
from fishermen, tent makers, and persecutors, into 
preachers of truth? Was not Bunyan heedless in 
Bedford?" 

Quickly a rift in the clouds was made, and a beam 
c f sunlight fell. 



188 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

The lawyer cried, " Brother, it is a sign from the 
skies.' ' 

Milton answered : " This is not the first sign. I 
will contend with heaven no longer. I could sur- 
prise jou with the wonders I have known. Some 
day I will tell . you. Henceforth I toil for human 
good, as God may guide me. My brother, I begin 
with you, ^' Prepare to meet thy God in judgment." 

The lawyer was amazed at this appeal, but warded 
off for a time the blow that was in kindness aimed at 
his heart. 

Out from the baptism of that sunsmile and mes- 
sao:e came Milton Rainbow serious and devoted ; and 
by the grace of God and his own will, softly took his 
place among the immortals. 

While this incident was occurring, there was 
moving here and there, supported by loving arms, the 
stately form of Jonathan Boone, who having delayed 
settling the estate of his father-in-law, Captain Blake, 
had now come to visit the Centennial and act a noble 
part. Our friends had secured excellent accommoda- 
tions in the family of a wealthy Quaker. Among the 
other boarders were two ladies, whose manners were 
so quiet, that they might have escaped observation, 
had not their dignity and gracefulness charmed all 
beholders. The elder lady was about sixty. Time 
had gently touched her with his wand. She was of 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 189 

medhim height, and somewhat inclined to be stout of 
figure. Her hair, which was still abundant, was 
arranged in curls. Her eves were dark and keen. 
Her complexion was lovingly warmed by the fresh 
glow of excellent health. Her manner was courteous 
with a certain reserve peculiar to the better classes of 
the south. Her dress was of dark silk, trimmed with 
lace. She wore a light cap with profuse ribbons for one 
of her years, but in which she certainly looked charm- 
ing. She was introduced simply as Miss Sinclair. 

Her companion was younger, (say by twenty 
years,) and contrasted with the elder. Her modest 
attire exquisitely set out her handsome figure. Her 
voice was soft, while her intense language showed 
lack of early culture. Her manner was restrained, 
while evincing great regard for her more advanced 
companion. She was known as Mrs. Bouvier. 

From the first introduction of Jonathan Boone to 
these two ladies, he seemed drawn to them by an irre- 
sistible impulse. Boone was sixty-five, but he had a 
sound mind and body, and warm heart. He was 
wealthy, but lonely and yearned for a companion. 
When he gazed on the younger lady, he was in a 
labyrinth of fancies that faded and came again. But 
when Boone glanced npon the elder lady, he was 
smitten at first sight with the charmed arrows from 
Cupid's quiver. 



190 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

We have said that Boone was moving through the 

Centennial supported by the arms of Jennie and 
Alice ; but he has now broken away from them, and is 
at present doing the agreeable to the elder lady in curls. 

Ere long Miss Sinclair said : " Mr. Boone, what- 
draws you to the English Department? Boone 
replied : " My dear lady, I have lived there for forty 
years. My birth-place however, is in Kentucky." 

The lady returned : " Indeed ! Kentucky is also 
my native State." In her agitation she dropped her 
handkerchief, and as Boone gallantly returned it, he 
saw with a thrill, the name of Catherine Sinclair. 

With trembling he inquired as to the county and 
town. When the response was given, he added : *' In 
the brick house by the cedar spring?" Smiling and 
blushing, the lady with curls answered : " The same." 
Said Boone, '' Do you remember who got you the red 
apples from the high trees, and the strawberries from 
the meadow, because you helped in spelling ? " 

" Yes, well do I," said Miss Sinclair. 

Boone could no longer restrain the vehemence of 
his passion; but taking the lady's hand in his, ex- 
claimed, " God bless you, darling of my youth. You 
are little Katy and I am Johnnie Boony ? " 

The reader may well believe that the couple 
at once became seated in front of the great organ, 
and told life's story o'er and o'er. 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 191 

Miss Sinclair's life bad been partly spent in tbe 
care of soldiers in an army hospital and in tbe joyous 
charge of her aged parents now at rest. 

Boone inquired as to tbe younger lady by whom 
sbe was accompanied, and M^as informed, " She is tbe 
widow of a Union soldier — a captain wbo was killed 
in battle. I made her acquaintance while we were 
nurses in the hospital. When about to depart, Mrs. 
Bouvier fell at my feet and said, " Oh Madam, entreat 
me not to leave you, for I have no friend beside ! " 

Pleased with her manners and judgment, I took 
her to my home, where she has been my constant 
companion. She is contented, but at times a sudden 
melancholy causes her to weep, when with a kiss, a 
smile and a snatch of song she becomes herself again, 
but the particulars of her early life I dare not reveal. 

Boone then w^hispered, " Dear Katy, I have lands 
and gold, let me be a husband to you, and a friend to 
the soldier's widow." Flushed with the memory of 
her girlhood's love, she blushed and whispered in 
return, "just as you please, dear Johnnie." As Boone 
related in the evening the events of the day, many 
were the kisses given to grandsire and to Katy, the 
sweetheart of his childhood and his asre. 



CHAPTER XXXIIL 

KENTUCKY smiled. The late autumn sun 
threw the rich mantle of yellow light over the 
brown meadows. The grand Centennial was closed. 
The Presidential election had been held ; and for the 
first time resulted in what was practically a tie but 
decided by commission in favor of Hayes -as against 
Tilden. From the summit of a hill, a grey-haired 
man surveys the valley of his youth. He sees the 
tiny meadow-brook of his boyhood. He sees the 
changed abodes of his neighbors, and looks toward 
the village, now grown to a city. The oak tree is 
gone. The white school house is replaced by a 
college and the forest is in streets. The grey-haired 
man and his companions go down the hill toward the 
dwelling, where once was the green lattice. 

In this Kentucky mansion lights spring up, as 
the sun goes down. A most agreeable company of 
neighbors and friends soon gather. The Kainbow 
Club is represented. 

Milton Rainbow and Jennie, Robert and Alice 
are present at the wedding of Jonathan Boone and 
Catherine Sinclair, 



A PICTURE OF LIFF. 193 

After the ceremony and the supper (which was 
opened in profusion and distributed with generous 
hospitality) the groom said to the bride, " Katy, you 
promised to give me the history of yom* friend Mrs. 
Bouvier, as soon as we were married." The bride 
answered " The woman can tell the story best herself." 
After some modest reluctance, she took a seat and gave 



On the 15th of April, 1861, the very day that 
President Lincoln made his first call for troops, my 
husband volunteered, leaving me at a farm house in 
Pennsylvania. 

He soon reached Washington and with his regi- 
ment went to an encampment near by, and was swal- 
lowed up in the Army of the Potomac. Under the 
command of McDowell he took part in the first 
battle of Bull Pun on the 21st of July. 

The battle lasted ten hours; and the insurgents 
being greatly reinforced, the Union troops retreated to 
"Washington, and Congress in extra session voted to 
raise 500,000 men for three years or the war. I 
soon got regular letters from my husband. 

The life of a soldier is at best a hard one, but 
having seen much exposure in his day, he was ena- 
bled to endure the night watchings and marches with 
comparative ease. He soon attracted the attention of 



194 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

his officers and by rapid promotions gained by cour- 
age on the battle field, he became captain of a company. 

His letters gradually became more sad and frequent. 

In them he told how lonely he felt without me. 
He could endure the storm, the march, the battle ; 
but not separation from me. 

He wrote that if I chose to join him, I could be of 
service as nurse in the camp, and that his position 
would secure to me kindness and protection, — but he 
added, " My dear Mary, don't come if you would 
rather stay. But as our lives were begun in mystery, 
and have thus far run along in mutual love, I would 
have you with me at the close ; for in war, all things 
are uncertain." 

The sad tone of my husband's letter convinced me 
that I ought to join him, if so be that my presence 
might be a comfort to him ; and my care as nurse be 
of service to others in hospital or camp. 

I had heard some one say that Love is woman's 
Kingdom, and Sorrow is its Court. So I bade fare- 
well to the kind friends with whom I was staying, 
and hastened downward to the seat of war. 

Much of the country through which I passed, 
seemed desolated by fire and sword. 

The houses were often deserted. The fences had 
been used for fuel — the orchards were ruined, for the 
trees that were still standing, were gnawed and 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 195 

broken by the horses that had been tied to them. The 
dooryards and gardens had been trampled by men 
and beasts. 

I saw many elegant mansions, containing rich 
furniture and costly paintings that had been deserted 
by their owners and were now occupied by aged 
negroes and sick soldiers — the walls being blackened, 
the mirrors broken, and horses stabled in the parlor. 

My heart almost failed me as I approached some 
miserable cabin and found there human beings — cold, 
sick and starving. 

Usually I would get a pass from one commander 
to another, and secure conveyance in suttler's wagons 
without expense. My plainly told story was com- 
monly believed ; and I met but little trouble in reach- 
ing my husband's regiment. 

Never shall I forget my first view of an encamped 
army. Long lines of white tents, like the streets of 
a city, were spread ont over the valley. Soldiers were 
on guard at every corner. Keports from scouts and 
pickets were constantly being brought into head- 
quarters. Squadrons of cavalry were manoeuvering at 
the wings of the encampment, and artillery was 
thundering in the distance. I was rapidly led for- 
wflrd, first to the regiment, and then to the com- 
pany of which my husband was captain. 

I found him asleep in his tent. The surgeon and 



196 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

first lieutenant were at his side, conversing in low 
and troubled voices. My husband was upon his back, 
pale and haggard. In my excitement I fell exhausted, 
but soon rallied and was about to throw myself upon 
the bed in haste and weariness, when the officer 
stopped me and inquired my name and mission. 

I told him I was the captain's wife ; come at his 
request. " But," said I quickly, ^' tell me, is he sick or 
wounded ?'' 

I heard in agony the terrible reply, *' Madam — 
he is both." 

With a mighty efibrt I staggered to the bed, and 
swept back the locks that fell over his face. I put 
my trembling hand on his brow, and as I felt the 
cold dampness upon it, I fell unconscious across the 
body of my husband. When I awoke, it was night. 

On a little pine table, nearly covered with boxes 
and bottles, a lio^ht was burnino:. A soldier sat 
watching at the foot of the bed, in his round cap and 
blue caped coat. My husband was also awake, and 
put his hand in mine. He gave it a gentle pressure, 
and without turning his head, whispered, ••' Mary, is 
it really you ?" 

"Yes, dear Ivan, I have come." 

" Oh," said he, '' how glad 1 am to have you with 
me. I am slightly wounded and very sick, but now 
that you are come, I will get well." 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 197 

Hardly had he spoken the words, when he threw 
mj hand from liim and called aloud, " Comrades — 
up once more, and the day is onrs — steady, boys, 
steady — Forward — March !" Having thus spoken lie 
gasped for breath, and turning toward him, I saw the 
fires of fever and delirium were ablaze in his face 
and eves. His forehead was hot and throbbins^. 

I sprang from the bed, dampened a cloth, and laid 
it upon his temples. The soldier gave me directions 
as to the medicine, and I allowed him to sleep. For 
weeks I nursed my husband throus^h a sluo^o^ish fever, 
and was at length rewarded by his recovery. 

His wound, received in a skirmish, was but trifling, 
and my husband, (who was a general favorite.) with 
shouts of welcome, stood at the head his men. I grew 
familiar with the daily duties of a soldier. About 
six in the morning, the waking drums were beat. 
Soon company roll was called, and at seven there 
was breakfast. Then after cleaning guns, the new 
guards were mounted, troops drilled. After dinner, 
regimental and brigade inspection, when often the 
ranks would be broken, and war's yoke thrown off for 
the day. And also, perhaps, hardly had they entered 
their tents, before some picket report would march 
them all night in storm and danger. 

One day my husband and myself were in the tent, 
talking over our past lives and wishing for peace. 



198 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

But a soldier is in constant danger. While we were 
talking, the sound of distant musketry was heard, and 
soon a bomb-shell came over us shrieking like a fiend 
in agony. The trumpets hastily' sounded, the soldiers 
fell in line, the bands began to play, and our troops 
marched off with banners flying, to meet the enemy. 

My husband was at the head of his company. I 
was weeping at the tent door, he tossed me a kiss as 
he passed. And alive, I never saw him more. In 
tlie evening, beneath the soft moonlight, the troops 
returned victorious, but the lieutenant led our com- 
pany, and not the captain. There followed slowly 
wagons bearing the wounded and the dead." 

But the poor woman could go no farther, and cov- 
ering her face with her hands, sobbed violently. The 
wedding party were gathered closely about the speaker, 
and not a word of the sad recital had been lost. In 
fact, moved by sympathy, many were in tears. The 
bride took her seat by the widow, and said as she 
folded her to her bosom, " My friend, weep not, for 
God is just though man is oft unkind." Jennie and 
Alice added their words of consolation, and Jonathan 
Boone gently patted her on the head, saying, '' Poor 
woman, don't weep, for as good a wife as you have 
been, will never be destitute of friends." 

At the urgent request of all present, the widow 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 199 

continued : " Of the horrors of that scene, when they 
brought my husband's body, and laid it in the dead- 
house, I can say nothing, although it is impressed on 
my memory with the power of living light. The offi- 
cers and men were very kind to me in my sorrow. 
The chaplain, a good and faithful man, took me in 
his care. I was made one of a company of nurses, 
who followed the camp, feeding and caring for the 
unfortunate who came in our wslj. 

Oh, the horror of those months ! The heat was 
dreadful, the very air seemed on fire. The poi- 
soned atmosphere of the confined rooms fed the 
burning fever, running into delirium, and ending in 
death. Our surgeons worked like heroes, but they 
were often overwhelmed with cases requiring imme- 
diate attention. Our ears were constantly filled with 
the sound of men gasping for breath, or shrieking 
from the tortures of amputation. 

Oh, the horrors of war ! But in this scene of 
misery and desolation, I met an angel in a woman's 
form. She was the matron of a band of southern 
nurses, connected with the army of General Lee, but 
who also cared for Union soldiers in the Confederate 
lines. Wise, active, and gentle, she fiitted like a 
sparrow from couch to couch, bearing the cup of 
mercy to the wounded body, and the Word of Life to 
the failing spirit. Like Florence JSTightingale of 



200 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

Crimean fame, she was of excellent family, and Tin- 
married. But when humanity calls, woman keeps 
nothing back. She cared for sick and wounded, 
wliether Confederate or Union. When the cruel war 
was over, this good woman took me with her to Ken- 
tucky, and has given me a home at her side. This is 
the womanly angel, her name but an honr ago, was 
Miss Catherine Sinclair." So saying, the widow 
threw herself at the feet of the bride. 

The groom lifted her up and consoled her with 
this assurance, " Fear not, for no one shall rob you 
of Catherine's love. You shall have a home with 
us. God be praised for the honor of entertaining 
two such noble women in one house ! " 

When the excitement had somewhat subsided, 
Boone said to the captain's widow, "Please tell us 
your early history, omit nothing, for I feel impressed 
that this mystery is not yet all solved." 

The widow resumed, " Previous to the breaking 
out of the war, my husband and I were living in the 
IS^orth." 

Boone anxiously said, " Yes, yes, but before you 
were married, where did you live?" 

The widow blushed, and added, " we were living 
as gypsies." 

Here Kainbow and Jennie, Eobert, Alice and 
Boone gave an exclamation of surprise. While the 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. ' 201 

speaker continued, *' but we were not gypsy-born. 
We had been stolen from our parents while children. 
"We learned these facts from conversations in the 
gypsy camp, when they thought we were asleep. My 
husband when a boy was stolen while asleep in a vil- 
lage tavern. As for myself, I was stolen from a 
park in Windsor, England. My name is Mary, for it 
was printed on the locket fastened to my neck when 
carried away." I^either Robert, Alice, Jennie, nor 
Boone could speak. Milton alone could say, '* Have 
you yet the locket ? " " Yes," the widow replied. 
And as she spoke, she took from her neck a golden 
chain fastened to a locket protected by an enclosure 
of silk. When the locket was opened, it revealed the 
portraits of Jonathan Boone and Helen Blake. Be- 
neath were engraved these words, " Presented to their 
daughter Mary." 

At once flew Jennie and Bobert to the widow, 
and clasping their arms about her, found relief in 
tears of joy, and pathetic utterances, such as *'0h, God 
be praised, you are our darling long-lost mother ! " 

Jonathan Boone staggered toward them, and put- 
tins: his tremblins; hands on the head of his child, 
reverently said, "Now again do I see confirmed the 
Scripture words of good father Blake. " / have hee?i 
young and now am old^ yet have I not seen the right- 
eous forsaJcen^ nor his seed hegging breads 
9* 



202 * A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 

The shock of recognition was too much for the 
poor widow. When children and father stretched 
out their arras, it was a lifeless figure they supported. 
To a couch the}^ bore her with tender promptness, 
where she lay in a swoon. Nor would she ever have 
come out of it, had it not been for the skill of the 
bride and of Alice, who from long practice, had be- 
come wise in the reviving art. Ere long she opened 
her eyes as on a new creation. In a moment, she had 
moved from the realm of orphanage, into a land of 
promise, wherein dwelt father and children. 

Her astonishment at meeting Jennie was the 
greatest. "Why," said she, *' I came to the house of 
Farmer Gray, and the children and servants told me 
you were dead. And these long years I have mourned 
you as lost. I would have made more continued 
inquiries, were it not for the fact that our gypsy band 
vowed vengeance on Farmer Grey, threatening to poi- 
son his family and burn his buildings, if I did not 
stop worrying and seeking for the child that they said 
I had disowned. 

" And as for you, my son Eobert, your father 
placed you in a charitable institution in the city of 
JSTew York, and when we sought for you, you were 
absent, and no record could be found, although we 
sought you diligently with tears." 

Robert replied, '^ Reflect not unkindly on yourself, 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 203 

dear mother, or on my father, you both did what was 
best. My adopted father Mr. — wished for his son, 
some child whose record was unkn own, and all account 
of me was concealed. Mr. — had no agency in the 
deception, and was also in the dark. He called for an 
unknown child, and being pleased with my appearance, 
accepted me." 

At this wedding were some of the most prominent 
citizens of the South, many of whom had taken part 
in the great war of the Kebellion. 

One — an officer — whose cheek showed the mark 
of a sword cut, came forward and addressed the widow, 
*' Brave and noble lady, fear not, you shall never want 
for friends, while the South has aid to give you. 1 
was commander of a Confederate company — meeting 
that of your husband in the battle. The shock of their 
meeting was terrible. I went down beneath his 
stroke, he had his foot upon my neck, and his bayo- 
net at my breast, when I gave him the Masonic sig- 
nal and he turned away, saying, *' Brother, thou art the 
enemy of my country and appearing as such on the 
field of war, thou hast forfeited thy life ; but I give 
thee clearance for sweet mercy's sake. God knows 
sweet mercy triumphed. Alas, your husband fell, 
but not at my hand nor those of my command. My 
family will welcome j^ou and yours by night or day for- 



204 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

On introduction Jonathan Boone recognized a 
relative in the last speaker, and said, "Mj friend, 
the ways of life are wonderful. War is one of its 
dreadful mysteries. I stand here to-night between 
the two sections of my native land — the north and 
tlie south. Kentucky is a central State and neither 
north, south, east or west; but has always beat 
like a warm loyal heart in the bosom of the nation. 
I rejoice in the return of good will. Shake hands, 
my beloved." 

So leading up Robert and Milton as representa- 
tives of the north, Boone requested the people of the 
south there present to come forward and renew 
pledges of national and sectional peace, confidence 
and love — and it was done. Up came a man with an 
empty sleeve, and said, " I rejoice to be able still to 
offer a hand and a heart to my brothers of the north." 

Then came a woman forward — bent and crippled 
by time, and clad in mourning. She had tears in her 
deep-set eyes and a cane in each hand, with which she 
hobbled along. Having reached the front, she said, 
" My two sons, who to-night should have been my 
support instead of these staves, were slain in that 
mysterious war. But I have sought of God, and he 
has given me grace to say, *' I forgive all mine ene- 
mies, and may His will be done." At once Milton 
and Robert stepped to the side of the southern matron, 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 205 

and taking each an arm, Robert declared, " Good 
mother we will be to you instead of your sons — let 
us steady you while yon walk whither your brave 
boys have gone — thus will the north, forgetting all 
that is unkind, love and cherish the gallant south ; 
only wishing to be loved and cherished in return." 

While this grateful scene of amity was enacting, 
coolness, turning to dissent and eventually to opposi- 
tion, was noticed in one portion of the apartment; 
and that too, from whence Boone least expected it. 

It will be remembered, that in the beginning of 
our story, we told of the hatred of the elder Boones to 
their younger brother, and also recorded the promise 
of the father ; that Jonathan should have a double por- 
tion among his brothers. This promise was incorpora- 
ted in the faithful old father's will, in such a way, 
that the proceeds of his share should be constantly 
on interest, and remain a claim on all the land until 
Jonathan or his representative should return and de- 
mand it. The will had been proven and put on public 
record ; and though the father and elder brothers were 
long dead, yet this claim had been constantly accumu- 
lating for the last forty years ; and now amounted 
to a sum that would equal the value of all the real estate 
of the family. Jonathan Boone's nephews and nieces 
were living in houses and on lands that must be sold at 
his order, to pay his legal demands. 



206 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Long had they dreaded this day, which had now 
come upon them like an avenging angel, for the un- 
just hatred of their fathers to an innocent younger 
brother, who like Benjamin and Joseph of ancient 
Canaan, was not in fault that his father loved him. 

Through motives of policy they had come to his 
wedding, but in fear and not in love ; for they had 
been falsely told that Jonathan Boone was a cruel boy, 
who had become a haughty lord in England, and 
would some day come down with a legion of sheriffs, 
and drive them all to the four winds of heaven. So 
when Jonathan Boone begged the southern guests at 
his wedding, to forgive and forget, his eldest nephew 
confronted him as follows : 

" Sir, it is easy to forgive and forget the wrong 
done to another, but the steel stings sharply that 
enters into our own flesh. You have been abroad for 
nearly half a century, while our families have tilled 
the fields, paid the taxes, and fought the battles ; and 
now you come to speak soft words to-night, ^nd to- 
morrow you may utter hard acts, by seeking to drive 
us and our wives and little ones, penniless, out upon 
the world. But rest assured, these fields that we have 
tilled, will only be lost with the rifles with which we 
defended them. Such ransom as we can pay, we will 
pay peaceably, but seek to drive us away and we will 
perish fighting on the fields where we were reared." 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 207 

Awe and apprehension rested on all the circle. 
Jonathan Boone rose up to his full height and majes- 
ty and calmly expressed, *' Thank God, my father 
never taught me fear. I can still handle a rifle as good 
as the best, and have just and legal rights suflScient to 
put in motion for their defence all the State authority 
of Kentucky ; but I have not yet spoken the word, 
and have counseled merely with my conscience. I 
have now a wife and daughter, to whose kind wisdom 
1 will pay a proper deference. Catherine and Mary, I 
would see you aside." 

To the private apartment "went the three and can- 
vassed all the case. Jonathan Boone spoke of the 
vast estate in England, of which he was sole proprie- 
tor, Catherine the bride made known her own inde- 
pendent property in lands and bonds. Mary, the 
daughter and widow, acknowledged, "I have always 
had but little, yet patience has made it sufficient. I 
ask no more, lest its weight break the charm of all 
my life. I have found my father and children, and 
with them alone I am content." 

When they rejoined the public company, Jona- 
than Boone requested his relatives to stand before 
him. 

With the hot Boone blood in all their faces, men, 
women, and children obeyed. To them he thus 
expressed himself: " My kindred, God has given me an 



208 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

ample estate and a wife, and restored a dangliter, whose 
love makes me richer than gold could do. As a thank- 
offering to God, and in the interests of peace and 
friendship, and of my own will, with the consent of 
my family, I hereby and now renounce all claim 
upon 3'onr land ; reserving only the right for myself 
and my descendants to visit the home of my jouth 
and the graves of my parents, and demanding of you 
to be charitable to the needy, and counseling you to 
be duly grateful to heaven." 

The feeling produced by this unexpected an- 
nouncement was intense and grateful. 'No Indian 
king ever received more ardent veneration. The 
women first found their tongues, saying, ''Dear 
uncle, we thank thee. Thy conduct is more glori- 
ous than the sun, for that but shines by day, but this 
thy magnanimity, will be ever lustrous to the end of 
time." 

Then came up the nephew, after conference and 
in tears and flushes, saying, "Noble uncle, we con- 
fess our hasty passion. Thy goodness has smothered 
all resentment and changed it to gratitude. We have 
lately cheered the homestead with new fences and 
buildings, but save in its freshened color the house is 
as you left it. This farm holds the sacred dust of our 
father and yours, we beg you to hold it as your own. 

Boone inquired, ** Have I a namesake among you ?" 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 209 

" Yes," replied a mother, "Yon have one. Your 
brother Jacob's memory smote him and we called our 
youngest child for you." 

The lad was brought forward. Boone took his 
little nephew by the hand and said to his kindred, 
" Do for this my namesake, what you would do for 
me." And it was promised. Then came Milton 
Eainbow to the front and said, " I counsel you to turn 
all the rills of time into the channel of immortal w^is- 
dom. Let the valor of heroes be softened by divine 
grace, so shall our beloved people cherish the memory 
of the late Centennial and rallying around the com- 
mon flag, forever defend the integrity of the Union 
and the just and equal rights of the States. Long as 
the clouds remain the gift of heaven and the rivers of 
the clouds, so long may the Mississippi bear congrat- 
ulations from a free, united and loving people to the 
Galf, and thence to all the world." 

The wedding party then sang, "My country 'tis of 
thee, sweet land of liberty." Afterwards to the strains 
of "Old Hundred," they sang the worthy words 
" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, praise 
Him, all creatures here below." The officiating cler- 
gyman offered prayer, and the Supreme sent down 
His heavenly benediction of love and devotion, while 
in the light thereof night and the assembly both 
dissolved. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

A FTER the wedding company had departed, the 
^-*- bride and groom and guests that remained re- 
tired to rest and slept so soundly that the forenoon 
was quite advanced ere breakfast was served in the 
Sinclair mansion. Never was a meal eaten by a hap- 
pier company. 

At the head of the table sat the mature, but 
charming bride, while the stately and smiling groom 
was across the board. Robert and Jennie could 
scarcely keep their eyes off their mother, the widow 
Bouvier. It was ascertained that the couple had 
assumed this name on leaving the gypsy camp, and 
the captain's widow still retained it. 

We cannot delay to relate the delightful inter- 
course that the bridal party held with neighbors and 
friends. 

All branches of the Boone family vied with each 
other in the most delicate kindness, exuberant hospi- 
tality and unfeigned gratitude. The clouds of the 
past were dissolved in the sunlight of the present. 
Boone revisited the spot where as a boy, his good eye 
and hand won him the silver-mounted rifle, still kept 



A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 211 

as a memento of by-gone years. He also took carriage, 
with his family, to the way-side inn that had sheltered 
him for the night. The former landlord and wife 
were long sleeping beneath the turfy co^^erlet, but a 
son kept the rejuvenated hostelry. The landlord said, 
" My terms are those of my father. You must cut 
wood to pay for your entertainment." The humor 
was so appropriate that the man of sixty-five re- 
produced the picture of fifteen. Prose would be in- 
competent ; and as the Eainbow Club kept a poet : 

Strong was the man, and sliarp tlie steel he bore 
On to the scene of Sylvan War. 
His wife and child attend him to the wood, 
Grandchildren breathless near the hero stood. 
Swift fly the chips, and cover all the ground, 
While through the forest his fierce strokes resound. 
The leafy monarchs tremble at the call. 
Make sad obeisance and then thundering fall. 
The riven oaks and maples piled he high 
Beneath the landlord's cheering eye, 
Nor did he fail to ornament the lawn 
With heaps of splinters from the hick'ries torn ! 
Which having done, his axe aside he threw. 
And to his host and hostess bade adieu. 
Loud as the strokes that lately split the skies, 
Are heard the landlord's plenteous cries, 
*' Thou hero ; toil must hunger know, 
Be wise, and break thy fast before you go." 
He gently yielded and upon the board 
A luscious tide of plenty poured. 
Java's brown nectar waiting cups do fill. 
And fragrant drinks that China's leaves distil. 
With hosts of tubers baked and boiled, 
With mutton chops and pullets broiled. 



212 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

While wheaten biscuits, smoking hot and brown, 
And roasted chestnuts all the viands crown. 
The hero bowed his head and grateful prayed, 
" For grace to end life's journey undismayed, 
And meekly bow to destiny," and then 
Tlie rev'rent group all breathed " amen." 
For landlord's bounty they give regal pay 
In gold and silver generous as the day. 
The steeds were harnessed, waiting at the door. 
Soon 'long the smoking road the axles tore. 

As we have stated, the Kainbow Club was formed 
to settle down into sober life a thoughtless youth. 
He is now genial, but serious. What steadied him ? 
Philosophy ? Counsels ? or Matrimony ? 

We answer, all combined. Jennie, his wife, adorned 
his home, and helped to make him sober and brave. 
In all the strange paths along which her life had run, 
she maintained a sprightly manner and a modesty 
that doth give unto woman a fadeless charm. 

When Milton received the communication from 
his father, as recorded in our account of the Centen- 
nial, he counseled not with mortal wisdom, but soon 
retired and fell upon his knees, imploring, *' Oh thou 
infinite and eternal One, am I ht to carry the lamp of 
life ? Wilt thou save me from falling, and own and 
bless me ?" 

To his inner consciousness came a gentle voice 
saying, " Yes, my son, I will." Without rising, 
Milton exclaimed, '* My God and Father, it is enough." 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 213 

In an ecstacj of spirit, he hastened to his wiie, and 
taking her by tlie hand said, 

'* Oh, thou priceless jewel of my heart — God has 
again spoken to me." 

Said Jennie, " Quick, tell me, gently or in wrath ?" 

He replied, " Gently, as speaks a father to a child, 
and at the call I join the band of Evangehsts and be- 
come a humble Lay preacher." 

This new resolve made varied impressions. Some 
thought it a freak of fancy, which would spend its 
frantic fury, leaving him still unsettled. Some ad- 
vised delay, but Dr. Paul advised to cross the Rubi- 
con at once, and raise the Banner of the Cross in the 
Army of Immanuel. 

Jonathan Boone, heard his story in full and 
promised counsel and support. 

The vast Farmer's Club, called " The Grangers," 
had a Centennial encampment at Elm station, on the 
Pennsylvania Railroad a few miles beyond the city 
of Philadelphia. They had a temporary building 
containing one thousand two hundred rooms, well light- 
ed and ventilated. 

Spacious dining halls were in the basement, while 
long corridors divided the sleeping apartments which 
were occupied by thousands who had come assured of 
a comfortable and economical abode. 



214 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

As Milton Eainbow was born and bred a farmer, 
he was drawn to this assemblage of his fellows. Here 
were found the brave pioneers of the distant west, who 
had subdued the tough prairie to the will of man. 
The national peculiarities of the globe were softened 
into the American. Several facts were apparent, one 
was the gentler tone of woman's voice, — another, the 
patience with which Americans endure delay, and 
above all, the moderation, but courage with which 
they portrayed their grievances and hopes. 

Rainbow determined to go down at once to tliese 
people and begin his active ministry among the as- 
sembled farmers. 

He took no one with him but his beloved wife. 
Having reached the encampment, he revealed to the 
authorities his mission. From lip to lip spread the 
tidings that an evangelist would speak in the western 
hall. About eight p. m., a service of song began 
upon the stage. Jennie was one of those who sang 
the inspiring strains of 

" There is a gate tliat stands ajar." 

The room was densely crowded, and as one after 
another took his seat on the stage, the inquiry went 
around, " Is that the speaker? '' I^^one could answer. 
Then there stepped to the front a stout middle-aged 
man, who offered most fervent prayer, and gave earnest 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 215 

exhortation. While speaking, the crowd said, '' that's 
him, that's Rainbow." But thej were mistaken. 

After a brief interval, a well-dressed gentleman 
related w^hat divine grace had done for him. The 
people felt snre that this was the yonng evangelist, 
but this time also thej were mistaken. Then fol- 
lowed another song : 

I love to tell the story — Of unseen things above. 
Of Jesus and his glory — Of Jesus and his love. 

As the soft notes died away, a slender young man 
came modestly, tremblingly forward, and began to 
speak. Some knowing ones sent the whisper round, 
" That's him," " That's Eainbow." And this time 
they were correct. 

The young man was pale and thin, so spare and 
slender, that it seemed a persevering wind might blow 
him away. He wore a look of deep concern, that was 
to close observers almost haggard. His first words 
were slow and indistinct. His thoughts seemed con- 
fused, and utterance painful. Soon tears gave relief, 
and he spoke clearer ; but he speedily came again 
under his emotion, and grew well-nigh silent. But in 
that assembly was one whose heart was moved by a 
deeper feeling than that of curiosity. It was sympa- 
thy. It was also w^isdom, that just in time to prevent 
an utter break-down, struck up, '* Hold the Fort." 

The sound of the well loved voice rallied the 



216 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Speaker, who said : " My Christian friends, did I 
follow my own personal desire, I would be seated in 
the audience, listening to tlie words of others. But 
God has put a burden upon me, and in his strength I 
will carry it. If shame be part of it, I will bear it. 
If tears are in store, let them flow. If poverty and 
death are in the way, I bid them welcome. My 
course is marked, henceforth I cast my lot with the 
people of God, and look to heaven for my reward. 

^' The work of providence is an ever expanding 
wonder. From age to age its glories stream along 
the track of life. At one period it deluged the world 
ai?d at another lit it up with the presence of Divinity. 
To-day is the era of personal consecration. The voice 
of Providence re-echoes the ancient call, " Let him 
that heareth say come." The want is for a multitude of 
workers in the vineyard ; pastors, evangelists, teachers, 
missionaries, class leaders, faithful men and women 
to lead the world to Christ. I was reared a Christian, 
and in the Sabbath evening twilight my mother told 
me the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Samson, Daniel 
and Christ. 

" My father desired that I should be a minister, but 
folly ruled me till, at midnight, I was awakened by a 
strange power, and I sprang from my bed crying, 
" eternity," *' eternity." I wandered to a hill a mile 
away, and knelt down upon a rock and prayed. God 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 217 

heard and answered, but in an unexpected way. Deep 
trouble came. Enemies rose up to blacken my good 
name. The time was winter. Across the fields I 
went, resolved to make a costly peace. But driven 
like a ship before the wind, came over the frozen 
snow, into my very hand as I stooped down, a leaflet 
frem the Bible, Matthew x, 19. ^But when they 
deliver you up, take no thought how, or what ye shall 
speak, for it shall be given in that same hour, what ye 
shall speak.' 

*' The very next day came a messenger with offers 
of peace. First my mother and then my father died 
and went to glory. The words of counsel written in 
his will sustained me. Soon life appeared in robes of 
seriousness bearing the destiny of an endless future. 
I saw my danger out of Christ, and led by faith was 
folded in his arms. "With all the world, I came to this 
Centennial to view the works of man, but have met 
a summons I cannot resist. It was a letter written by 
my father, signed and sealed. In a corridor at the 
Exhibition, this letter was put into my hands. Its 
burden was, " Lose no time, warn the people to meet 
their God in judgment." And now, good friends, in 
all love and sincerity, I charge you, in Christ's name, 
be ye reconciled to God. 

*^ Many of you are tillers of the soil, farmers and 
shepherds. The birth of the infant King Immanuel 
10 



218 A PICTUEE OF LIFE. 

was not proclaimed with trumpets at the gates of 
citieSj but told by angels to the shepherds of Beth- 
lehem. The Bible is full of shepherds and their flocks. 
Kachelj Jacob's lovely bride, was a shepherdess. The 
heads of the tribes were men of the field, and so was 
David, their valorous king. Asaph sang: " Give ear, 
oh, shepherd of Israel, thou that leadeth Joseph as a 
flock." And Jesus said : " I am the good shepherd." 
And to-night his spirit would guide you and your 
lambs into his heavenly fold, "that where he is," 
mark the words, " ye may be also." 

" This supposes a condition, and what is it ? Go 
not to human experience, for that is deception ; nor to 
creeds, for they are imperfect, but to Christ himself. 
" Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the king- 
dom of heaven." This is the text of Christ's Sermon 
on the Mount, and should be of the sermon of our 
lives. Oh men and women, prepare to meet thy God 
in judgment. When the sunny spring lies smiling on 
your hills, ye go forth casting the seed into the fur- 
row to feed the winter. Ye do well. But oh, ye 
farmers of America, remember that when God with- 
draws his smile, then comes the winter of the soul. 
Be watchful, and let no one take thy crown. Beware, 
Satan has an eye on thy soul. And now unto the king 
eternal, immortal, invisible, be glory forever. Amen." 

At once a restless man rose up saying, " I am an 



A PICTUKE OF LIFE. 219 

infidel. That leaf upon the snow would have come 
into my hands as well as yours. You did not call for 
it. Tell of prayer directly answered, and I may 
believe." The preacher said, ^' I have told you how I 
cried eternity ! eternity ! and kneeling on a rock be- 
sought the Lord to take me under his special care. 
Afterward, I dug up the rock and made it a corner 
stone of my house. At midnight, I arose for prayer 
upon that rock. " Oh Lord God of my fathers, be 
my God and of my children's children forever. I am 
keeping the watch of this house. Grant that when I 
rise and open my Bible, mine eye shall fall upon some 
guide to my liousehold in this the Lord's house ! " 

" I rose and opened the Bible, gift of a mother in 
glor}^, at a venture at second Chronicles 23-26, 'But 
let none come into the house of the Lord, save the 
priests and they that minister of the Levites, they 
shall go in for they are holy ; but all the people shall 
keep the watch of the Lord.' And now, brother 
Thomas, believest thou God heard my prayer?" He 
trembling answered, "I believe, and God help my un- 
belief ! " Kainbow continued, " Then thou art saved, for 
a spark is fire, a true prayer is faith ; and faith salvation. 

" Before we close I have a request to make. Let 
all who desire the power of the Father, the life of the 
Son ; and the love of the Spirit; so that they can keep 
through life the watch of the Lord, Else up." Nearly 
all rose, some in tears, and dispersed. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

npHE next morning, preacher and companion re- 
-*-• joined the throngs in the Centennial Palaces of 
Art, where the consciousness that multitudes were 
going thoughtlessly to death, fixed his view on the 
Day of Judgment, and the golden heights of Heaven. 
He had spent life's morn in youth's gay merriment, 
and was determined to turn manhood's serious business 
into life's crowning glory, by kneeling at the Master's 
feet. There was in his heart, pride for the national 
achievement; gratitude to the nations for aid and 
presence ; joy for the things of beauty, and tears for 
the folly of men. Boldly going up to a printing 
office on the grounds he said, "Sir, print me a thou- 
sand copies of these words, and I will pay thee." 

Unfavorable as seemed the time. Rainbow, full of 
the spirit of the previous night stationed himself near 
one of the entrances to the exhibition, skillfully avoid- 
ing any display that might offend the police, changing 
position and using gentle tones, he handed to persons 
as they came or went one of the Scripture scrolls. 
Sanctified wit and learning were marshalled into ser 
vice as follows, — 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 221 

" Ah, my good friend — Take words from our best 
Friend." 

" Fair lady — Thou hast the rose of beauty on thy 
face. Hast thou the Rose of Sharon in thy heart ?" 

" Rejoice, oh young man, but know thou — for all 
these things God will bring thee unto judgment." 

" Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth." 

" Yanity of vanities — all is vanity." 

" Good father — God hath enriched and blessed 
thee. May thy daughters be daughters of Zion." 

" Ah pilgrim, art thou climbing the Mount of the 
Lord «" 

<* I am." 

Thank God, here is some good reading, by the 
way. Climb Carmel, Lebanon, Olivet, or Zion — be- 
ware of Sinai, my brother." 

{To a Soldier.) — ** Let the men of war fight for the 
Prince of Peace." 

" Traveller, here is a Guide to a better land — a 
heavenly." 

{To one moving rajpidly,) 

" Swift sir, thou seemest like a business man." 

" I am, sir." 
• " Art thou a Christian ?" 

"Ko." 

** Then art thou a poor business man." 

" Ah, business men, make heaven thy business." 



222 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

Thus swiftly for a time ran on the giving of the 
scrolls, when np came two young men. The twinkle 
in the leader's eye, spoke more of mirth than villainy. 
His companion was courtly, bearing rings on his fin- 
gers and a bouquet in his hand. Bringing his eye-glass 
to the proper focus, he surveyed the scroll and handed 
it scornfully to the leader, saying, " My lord Jacob, 
explain this printed mysterj^" 

Jacob said to Rainbow, " Is this a will, or deed, or 
supreme court writ ?" 

He replied, " All this and more. It is a leaf 
from a Book of Laws, of songs and morals, a necklace 
of graces, and a chart of Life." 

The man rejoined, " We care not for books, 'tis 
thirst we feel." 

JRainbow. — 'Twill serve you nobly, this goblet 
from the waters of life. 

Stranger. — Away with superstitious faith, there is 
no God. I have heard of your Bible. 

Bainhow. — And the Bible has heard of you. It 
says, " the fool hath said, there is no God." 

This sharp arrow pierced, and awoke their passion. 
The stout Jacob sprang toward the evangelist ; and 
the dainty cavalier followed with eye-glass and up- 
lifted cane. 

Rainbow avoided them quickly as the moving of 
a flash — when at once came up a sailor who held out 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 223 

his brawny hand for a scroll, and said, " well, Captain, 
that last fire settled the mate and blew the boatswain 
over the bulwark. I would lend a hand, but you are 
as full-rigged a cutter as ever carried a deck or sport- 
ed a top-gallant. Here is my hand, and my heart 
goes with it." So saying, the sailor who bore the 
dress of an English midshipman, said, *' I have often 
of late, thrown a rope to a comrade overboard." 

Rainbow. — When did you enlist ? 

Sailor. — A year ago, when two recruiting officers 
came from. America. One was Sir D wight Moody, as 
good a knight as ever bore a helmet, or aimed a lance 
at the crest of Belial. The other was Sir Ira Sankey, 
as sweet voiced a singer as ever blew the bugle of 
Zion. I was on the rocks and anchor lost, when the 
Young Men's Christian Association threw a rope and 
took me in tow, into the harbor of salvation. I heard 
the blood sermon of Moody, thinks I the blood that 
saves is the blood for me, while Sankey sang the plain- 
tive " Ninety and Nine." 

" I am on a furlough to see this great Exhibition. 
Give me a handful of the manna, that I may feed the 
multitude, while you rest in your hammock." So 
saying, he crowded into Rainbow's hand a bank bill, 
enough to pay for the entire edition, and gave to the 
people, saying, " Halt captain, here is where you get a 
clearance from time, and a cabin forever, take a ticket. 



224: A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

And bright boj ; the devil wants you for a mate, Jesus 
for a captain. Step up and take your papers. And 
old mother, you seem a little bent, and so was my 
mother before she died, and her bonnet had black 
like yours, take this leaf and token, (a bank bill) to 
remember praying Jack at the Centennial." At 
length while he was speaking, the bells in the tower 
rang the chimes of evening, the visitors departed, and 
the gates of the Centennial were closed for the day. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

CoNCLrSION. 

A FTER the Centennial, the friends journeyed 
-^--^ southward to attend the wedding of Jonathan 
Boone and Catherine Sinclair, as we have related. 
Boone, with his bride and daughter, returned to Eng- 
land, to arrange his estate, which will in due time 
descend to Mary, and then to Jennie. There one day 
came by special messenger, an envelope, containing a 
legal document with seals and signatures. 

It was a surrender to Milton Rainbow and his 
heirs, of all claims upon the twenty-five thousand 
dollars; the original heirs, (as mentioned in the will 
of John Rainbow,) having been compensated in cash 
by the merchant's widow. Milton Rainbow, full of 
love and enthusiasm, became a lay preacher, wherever 
the people wished to hear him. Meanwhile the 
slowly rising walls of a beautiful cathedral bespoke 
the craving of humanity for something more lasting 
than earthly wealth, and also betokened the regard of 
a good wife for the memory of a good husband. Sol- 
omon the chairman, (conscious that it had accom- 
10* 



^26 A PICTURE OF LIFE. 

plished its mission,) announced the success to the 
Eaiubow Chib. 

We now close with a copy of the 

Centennial Gospel Scroll. 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the 
earth, and God said, " let us make man in our own 
image." — And God saw that the wickedness of man 
was great and said, ' I will destroy man whom I have 
created.' — Bat Noah found grace in the eyes of the 
Lord — And "Noah built an altar after the flood. — And 
the Lord smelled a sweet savor and said, *' I will not 
again curse the ground. While the earth remaineth, 
seed-time and harvest shall not cease and the bow 
shall be in the cloud that I may remember the cove- 
nant between God and every creature on the earth.'' 

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, " Walk 
before me, and I will make my covenant between me 
and thee. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the 
earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice." 

And Joseph nourished his father and his brethren. 

And the Lord said unto Moses, " Sanctify the peo- 
ple to-day and to-morrow — Thou shalt have no other 
gods before me. 

But he was wounded for our transgressions, — and 
with his stripes we are healed. 

Fear not to take unto thee Mary — and she shall 



A PICTURE OF LIFE. 227 

brino^ forth a son ; and thou shalt call his name Jesus 
for he shall save his people from their sins. 

Jesus said, " If a man love me, he will keep my 
words and my father will love him, and we will make 
our abode with him. — But the Comforter which 
is the Holy Ghost, shall teach you all things. — And 
he that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. 

And he shewed me a pure river of life proceeding 
out of the throne of God and the Lamb, and on either 
side of the river was the tree of life. — And there shall 
be no more curse. 

And his servants shall see his face. 

And there shall be no night there, for the Lord 
God giveth them light, and they shall reign forever 
and ever. — Let him that heareth say come. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you 
all. — Amen. 



THE END. 



HK221V-78 



